Novato Tow Truck Theft Suspect Arrested: Cops

NOVATO, CA — A Marin probationer suspected of stealing a tow truck was arrested Friday, police said.

Steven Lawrence Hirai, 43 of Novato, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and a probation violation among other charges and was booked at Marin County Jail, the Novato Police Department said.

Officers at around 6:30 a.m. Friday responded to a Galli Drive business on the report that a tow truck was stolen by a man who rode to the business on a bicycle, police said.

Officers responded to the business again at 8 a.m. that day after employees at the business saw a man return for the bicycle, police said.

The employees followed the man on the bicycle to Pamaron Way, where they located the stolen tow truck, police said.

Officers arrived to find the employees involved in a physical struggle with the suspect, who was subsequently detained, police said.

Hirai had an outstanding felony arrest warrant in Marin County for vehicle theft and was also on active Marin County probation, police said.

Officers during a search located a stun gun, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances, police said.

Stolen property was later recovered from a San Rafael address associated with Hirai, police said.