NOVATO – On Monday, October 26, 2015, the Novato Police Department issued a Community Bulletin regarding a recent incident at the Harvest Market grocery store at 155 San Marin Drive. Officers had responded to a report of a disturbance Sunday evening shortly after 5 pm.
Employees had reported that an adult male threw a bag containing an unknown substance with a chemical odor in the vicinity of the meat counter inside the store. The substance spilled onto the floor and counter area. The Novato Fire District also responded and evacuated the store due to the chemical odor. The Marin County Hazmat Team also responded to evaluate and assist with the clean up.
The store was temporarily closed as a result of the incident and following clean-up. It was determined that the contents of the bag included human waste, paint, and rubbing alcohol. NPD is investigating whether the same suspect was involved in a store altercation the previous day.
NPD Officers investigating the incident traced the suspect to a homeless encampment in the 1900 block of Novato Boulvard South. The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Charles Nishi of Novato.
Nishi was arrested and booked at the Marin County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, unlawful release of offensive matter at a business, unlawful dumping of waste matter on private property, and possession of suspected methamphetamine.
