Hate Crime Suspect Allegedly Threatened to Shoot a Neighbor for a Parking Place
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NOVATO — Police obtained a gun violence restraining order as a precaution after arresting a man on suspicion of committing a hate crime. Douglas B. Shannon, a 64-year-old resident of Novato, was placed under arrest for allegedly threatening to shoot his neighbor. The court order temporarily prohibits Shannon from possessing firearms.
Shannon’s arrest stems from a disagreement on April 2 concerning a parking place on Olive Avenue. The dispute escalated until Shannon allegedly threatened to shoot his neighbor. The firearm was not used during the incident. However, police confiscated the gun to ensure the safety of the involved persons.
Shannon reportedly assumed that his neighbor entered the U.S. illegally, based on his neighbor’s race. Shannon allegedly threatened to contact government authorities and tell them his neighbor is here illegally without documentation.
While police were investigating the incident, they learned Shannon had access to a registered firearm inside his home. He surrendered the gun to police before he was booked at Marin County Jail.
Shannon is no longer in custody. He faces charges involving alleged hate crime for violation of civil rights by force or threat. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Novato Police Department at 415-897-1122.
In a prepared statement the Novato police said. “We work in partnership with our community to stand up against all forms of hate expression, hate crimes, and to prevent violence.”
