Novato theft suspects who fled in stolen truck later arrested in Oakland
NOVATO —A pair of suspects who fled from Vintage Oaks Shopping Center in Novato were arrested in Oakland. They were nabbed July 13 with a stolen pickup truck and merchandise stolen from a Marshalls department store.
First, Novato patrol officers spotted a pickup truck reported stolen in Hayward. It was parked unoccupied in front of Marshalls. Officers and detectives waited for the suspects to return.
Three persons returned to the pickup, two men and one woman. Myjoyha E. Gaston, 35 of San Leandro, was observed leaving Marshalls and carrying a significant amount of clothing. Then Gaston got into the driver’s seat.
As the trio exited the shopping center, a traffic stop was attempted, but she continued onto southbound Highway 101. Novato detectives in unarmed cars followed the vehicle, while keeping California Highway Patrol officers updated.
CHP officers pursued the pickup as it approached the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The pursuit ended when Gaston parked on the 3200 block of Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. The three occupants then fled on foot.
Gaston and 54-year-old Eugene M. Rumbley of Oakland were apprehended and transported to Marin County Jail. The third person who escaped is still being sought by police.
Gaston was booked on suspicion of receiving a stolen vehicle in addition to shoplifting. She also faces charges for allegedly destroying evidence, conspiracy, hit and run resulting in property damage, and evasion.
Rumbley was booked for receiving a stolen vehicle, conspiracy and destroying evidence. In addition, he was also booked for possession of ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
