2 Novato Suspects Arrested On Weapons Charges In Separate Cases: Cops

NOVATO, CA — Two Novato suspects have been arrested on suspicion of weapons charges in separate cases, police said Tuesday.

In the most recent case, the early Tuesday morning search of a suspected stolen RV in the 300 block of Ignacio Boulevard led to the arrest of two Novato residents; one on suspicion of weapons charges among other crimes, and the other on suspicion of drug charges, the Novato Police Department said.

Garret Koapua was arrested and booked at the Marin County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of drugs and paraphernalia, and operating a stolen vehicle, according to police.

Julian Jory was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and of a stolen vehicle, police said.

Officers searched the two suspects and found Koapua to be in possession of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia and Jory in possession of suspected cocaine, police said.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found two unserialized firearms (also called “ghost” guns) associated high-capacity magazines; a 9mm pistol and .223 short-barreled rifle were unsterilized, commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” and four air-powered rifles, police said.

An April 7 incident led to the arrest of a 33-year-old transient Marin resident.

Erick Cambron was arrested two days later on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a concealed firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.

Officers at around 1:15 p.m. April 7 responded to the 400 block of Alameda Del Prado on the report of a man in an apartment complex parking lot brandishing a firearm, police said.

Cambron initially identified himself to arriving officers but ran away and eluded capture before a search was conducted, police said.

Officers on April 9 found Cambron at a 7-Eleven store (800 Diablo Ave.) and arrested him after establishing a perimeter around the store.

Officers found a Glock pistol recently reported as stolen out of San Rafael San Rafael and drug paraphernalia during a search of Cambron, police said.

“In all of these cases, the suspects were taken into custody safely as a result of great teamwork and communication,” the NPD said in a statement.

“We are extremely grateful for our community members who provide accurate and timely information, ultimately leading to arrests like these.”