Man in Camouflage Arrested for Meth and Brandishing Rifles at Shoppers
Photo: replicas seized
NOVATO — The Square Shopping Center located on Novato Boulevard was evacuated, as police responded to report of an armed man wearing camouflage. His weapons turned out to be replicas, and he was arrested for drugs and brandishing imitation weaponry.
At age 61, Novato resident Matthew J. Salopek crouched behind a pick-up truck and frightened shoppers. He allegedly pointed a crossbow and a realistic-looking AR-15 style replica rifle at them.
The incident was reported on November 5 shortly before 8 p.m. The suspect’s presence prompted shoppers who saw him to flee from the parking lot Officers from throughout the city and detectives responded, and an armored van was dispatched. The first arriving officers saw Salopek crouched behind a pick-up truck, near a gas station.
As officers began evacuating the shopping center, Salopek allegedly pointed a replica rifle at shoppers. A Novato PD supervisor ordered him to drop the rifle, and he complied.
Salopek was detained. Police located in his possession two replica rifles, and six semi-automatic BB pistols. Several combat knives designed for military use were also confiscated from him.
However, no crossbow was located. In addition, Salopek was found in possession of methamphetamine, and he appeared
intoxicated. He was booked at Marin County Jail, but he is no longer in custody.
He faces charges for possession of a controlled substance, and for being under the influence of a controlled substance. He faces one additional charge for drawing/exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner.
Salopek has had previous run-ins with the law. In June of this year, he was arrested by California Highway Patrol for a DUI. In March 2019, he was arrested in Sonoma County, once for possession of a controlled substance, and twice for public intoxication.
