Novato police searching for suspect after shots were fired during chase at Coast Guard housing

NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, police are searching for a suspect after a possible shooting Thanksgiving night on U.S. Government property. Novato police say it happened inside a housing complex for U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Security guards were pursuing a trespasser when gunfire was heard. No one was injured, but neighbors are on edge.

"Happening on Thanksgiving, it feels like we should be getting along, should be a peaceful day," said Sharon Cushing.

It's the talk among neighbors inside Novato's Hamilton Field. Police say shots were fired Thanksgiving night in a section of housing for active duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel and their families.

The shooting incidents are frightening," said neighbor Suzanne Lawrence.

Police say security guards, contracted by the Coast Guard saw a suspected trespasser on the government property and ran after them.

"During the chase, the guards heard what sounded like gunshots, south of the sports courts on Crescent Drive. The suspect was last seen running back into the US Coast Guard Housing area. The security guards stopped chasing the man and called 911," a Novato Police statement read.

Police searched the area for hours, no suspect was found and no gun was recovered.

No one was hurt either. A security guard fell during the chase but didn't need medical attention.

"I'm really surprised it's happening here Hamilton," said Suzie Fitzpatrick.

Neighbors got a Nixle alert on their phones, asking them to shelter in place.

"We live out here, not a lot of things going on, some military guys halfway through, some residential but very unusual," said Craig Fitzpatrick.
U.S. Coast Guard housing is not a secured facility but large signs are posted, warning about limited public access to the area, 30 minutes after sunset.

Sharon Cushing says she instantly thought of the shooting of two National Guard members this week in Washington DC, one died from her injuries.

"The shooting happened in Washington D.C., now something happened here with attack on a possible security guard, seems similar," said Cushing.

The suspected trespasser in Novato is described by authorities as a white male wearing tattered black clothing.

If you have any information about this incident or find recordings which may be helpful for our investigation, please contact the Novato Police Department, at 415-897-1122, Case NP25-3035.

Anyone with information can contact Novato Police at 415-897-1122, Case NP25-3035.

Bay City News contributed to this story.