Novato Sexual Battery Suspect Arrested

NOVATO, CA — A Marin man accused of groping a coworker and trying to force her into his vehicle was arrested late Tuesday night, police said.

Reginald Maxime, 35 of Novato, was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, and sexual battery, the Novato Police Department said.

Officers at around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday responded to the 5600 block of Nave Drive on the report of a man trying to force a woman into a vehicle, police said.

The victim told officers that Maxime had in recent weeks subjected her to unwanted date requests, sexual harassment, and unwanted touching, police said.

Officers determined the Maxime was driving an SUV when he pulled up on the victim as she was walking home from work at around 10:15 p.m., police said.

After declining an offer to enter the SUV and telling Maxime that she would continue walking home, Maxime groped her on the outside of her clothing, police said.

“Maxime then picked her up by wrapping his arms around her, lifted her up and moved her toward the open door of his vehicle,” police said in a statement.

“The victim was immediately fearful and attempted to free herself from Maxime.”

The victim was able to break free and called 911, police said.

Officers at around 11:30 p.m. located and arrested Maxime at his Muroc Lake Drive home, police said.

“The Novato Police Department thoroughly investigates crimes of this nature to the fullest extent,” the agency said in a statement.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this investigation and would like to thank the victim for immediately reporting the incident.”

Sexual assault victims are encouraged to report criminal offenses to the Novato Police Department.

Additions resources for sexual assault victims can be found at Community Violence Solutions.