NOVATO, CA — Richard E. Brust, 35, of Novato, was arrested on August 26 for allegedly pointing
a knife at a woman’s throat. Brust was booked into Marin County Jail, where he remains in
custody in lieu of $50,000 bond.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m., Novato police received a report of a man on a bicycle pointing a
knife at someone. Responding officers spotted Brust riding a bike behind Square Shopping
Square, at the intersection of Novato Boulevard and Wilson Avenue.
“He held a knife to the victim’s throat while threatening to kill her,” Novato police said in a
prepared statement. “Brust also brandished the knife and threatened a second victim who
intervened, and told him to leave the first victim alone.”
Brust fled from responding officers and barricaded himself inside his residence, nearby on
Buena Vista Drive. A perimeter was established with assistance from the Marin County
Sheriff’s Office, including a K-9 team and a drone overhead.
Following approximately a two-hour standoff, Novato police took Brust into custody with help
from a family member. Brust was booked on open charges for –
· Assault with a deadly weapon/not a firearm, likely cause great bodily injury
· Making threats of violence with intent to terrorize
· Exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm
· Carrying a switchblade knife
The investigation of this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information can call the Novato
Police Department at 415-897-4361.
– by Jim Emerson
