A Novato man got tangled up in a family dispute that, unfortunately, turned into a kidnapping involving a 3-year-old. Police jumped on the case right away, launching a Marin County-wide search.
The whole thing happened on Martin Drive and Center Road in Novato. Thankfully, officers found the child safe and arrested the suspect.
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Let’s walk through what happened, how the Novato Police Department responded, the charges and bail, and what this means for people living in Marin County towns like Novato, San Rafael, and Corte Madera.
Timeline of the Novato incident
At about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, officers from the Novato Police Department got called out to Martin Drive. A family argument had apparently spiraled into a kidnapping.
Police said Benjamin Buckley, 39, from Novato, took off with a 3-year-old in a silver Saturn sedan.
Authorities quickly put out a countywide alert. They set up roadblocks and got help from other law enforcement agencies in Marin County, including towns like Mill Valley and Fairfax.
A Novato officer on patrol spotted Buckley and the child getting out of a car on Center Road. The child was fine and got back to their parents, and officers arrested Buckley right there.
Charges, bail and ongoing investigation
Buckley now faces several charges tied to the alleged abduction. Officials list kidnapping, child abuse, and elder abuse among the allegations.
A Marin County judge authorized a bail enhancement and set bail at $500,000. That’s a hefty sum, but it reflects just how serious these allegations are.
The judge also wants to limit Buckley’s contact with the victim and family as the case moves through court. It’s a pretty standard move in situations like this, but it still feels weighty.
Authorities say the investigation into the family dispute and alleged abduction is still ongoing. The child is safe, but investigators from the Novato Police Department and partner agencies keep gathering evidence and talking to witnesses.
They’re reviewing surveillance and dispatch records from the Martin Drive and Center Road areas. Folks in Marin County will likely hear more as new details come in.
If you live in Novato, San Rafael, Larkspur, or Sausalito, this whole thing is a pretty sharp reminder: family disputes can get out of hand fast. Local officials urge everyone to stay alert, report anything odd, and keep a close eye on kids, especially near shopping centers or schools.
- What Marin County residents can do:
- Stay alert and report suspicious activity to 911 or the Novato Police Department.
- Keep kids close in public and go over safety plans with family, especially in San Rafael and Mill Valley.
- Check local law enforcement alerts for updates in areas like Center Road or Martin Drive.
- If you know something about the case, reach out to investigators directly. Please, don’t spread rumors online.
Authorities keep saying that the child’s safety comes first. The investigation will keep moving forward, and they promise to share updates as things develop.
People in towns from Novato to San Anselmo can expect more news from the Novato Police Department and regional partners as the court process continues.
This whole incident really highlights why community watchfulness matters in Marin County. With busy streets and tight-knit neighborhoods, staying aware just makes sense.
Keep an eye on local news from Marin County outlets for the latest on this story. And if something feels wrong, calling 911 is always the fastest way to get help.
Here is the source article for this story: 3-Year-Old Kidnapped In Marin County Leading To Man’s Arrest: Police
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