– By Jim Emerson
NOVATO,CA — Police responding to a vehicle theft in progress arrested Eric Ramirez, 20, of
Oakland, following a high-speed pursuit on April 4. Three other male suspects involved (ages
18 to 22) remain at large, pending identification of fingerprints evidence recovered from the
stolen vehicle.
Ramirez was apprehended at 11:45 p.m., following a pursuit through Novato city streets. He
was booked at Marin County Jail on suspicion of the following charges –
· Vehicle theft
· Receiving or concealing stolen property
· Conspiracy to commit crime
· Attempted crime
· Reckless driving
· Evasion with disregard for safety
The incident began unfolding at 11:20 p.m. on Arthur Street. Four young men fled from
Novato police responding to the vehicle theft in progress.
Ramirez and three accomplices reportedly used the stolen vehicle to flee, driving against traffic, after striking a patrol car.
Novato police said in a prepared statement. “The stolen vehicle was later found unoccupied
on Pioneer Court, after it collided with a parked vehicle.”
A perimeter was established with help from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office and a drone monitoring overhead.
Ramirez was apprehended at Pioneer Park. He has since posted $50,000 bond for release
from custody, pending arraignment later this month.
Novato police believe Ramirez and the three outstanding suspects are members of a coordinated theft ring based in Oakland.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Novato police at
415-897-4361 or email police@novato.org and reference case #NP26-0879.
