Novato suspect accused of vandalizing college classroom, setting fire – Marin Independent Journal

Authorities arrested a suspect who allegedly ignited a vegetation fire and damaged a classroom at the College of Marin Indian Valley Campus in Novato.

Around 5:30 on Saturday, Novato firefighters responded to an alarm at Building 28. Law enforcement personnel were dispatched after a 911 call with a person screaming on the phone was made, college spokesperson Nicole Cruz reported. Fire crews extinguished a half-acre fire near the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden. Investigators saw that someone broke a classroom’s window and destroyed a computer, and also broke into a college van. The Novato police later detained a suspect near Indian Valley Fire Road, Cruz said.

Jesse Aloysius Roach, 53, of Novato was arrested on suspicion of burglary, attempted vehicle theft, arson, and vandalism. He was booked into the Marin County Jail where his bail was set at $50,000.

Originally Published: September 16, 2024 at 6:52 am