This Marin County blog post covers a Novato collision where an older woman hit an 8-year-old bicyclist and then drove away. The crash happened Friday afternoon near Vineyard Road and Sutro Avenue.
Novato police are still investigating and want anyone with surveillance video or eyewitness info to speak up. They’re hoping to identify both the driver and the car, and to piece together what happened after the crash.
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What happened in Novato
Authorities say the collision took place around 3:50 p.m. at the intersection of Vineyard Road and Sutro Avenue in Novato. It’s a stretch lots of families and cyclists use in northern Marin.
The driver, described as an older woman in a new black Mercedes sedan, hit the child, stopped briefly to acknowledge the young cyclist, and then drove off heading west on Vineyard Road.
A passerby came upon the scene, found the child on the road, and quickly called 911. The 8-year-old suffered minor injuries and is recovering, thanks to help from the bystander and emergency responders.
This incident has rattled residents across the North Bay. Folks from Novato, San Rafael, and other Marin County towns travel this area all the time, whether for weekend rides or daily commutes.
Behind the investigation
The Novato Police Department is actively working the case and asking for any information that might help them identify the car or the driver. Vineyard Road and Sutro Avenue see a steady flow of families, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Police think surveillance footage from homes, businesses, or street cameras could offer important leads. They say you don’t have to have the whole story—even partial video or a description of the Mercedes, the driver, or which way the car went could help.
The department shared the case number NP26-1052 and wants everyone in Marin County—from Corte Madera to biking-outdoor-activities/marin-county-parks/central-marin/”>Mill Valley and Sausalito—to check their footage if they live or work nearby.
What investigators are asking for
Investigators are looking for:
How you can help the Marin County community
Community help really matters in cases like this, especially in tight-knit places like Novato, San Rafael, and Larkspur. If you know something, here’s what you can do:
- Call the tip line at 415-897-4361 with anything you know, even if it feels minor.
- Mention the case number NP26-1052 when talking with investigators.
- Share any surveillance footage from your home or business that might show the black Mercedes sedan near Vineyard Road and Sutro Avenue.
- Talk to neighbors in Novato, San Rafael, and Marinwood—someone else might have seen something right after the crash.
Safety reminders for Marin cyclists and drivers
This incident really highlights how important it is to stay alert on Marin’s scenic byways. From Marin County’s biking routes in Novato to the popular bike lanes around Mill Valley and Tiburon, there’s a lot happening out there.
Drivers, please slow down at intersections and watch for anyone on a bike. Cyclists, stick to predictable spots, signal when you turn or stop, and, honestly, wearing bright gear helps a lot with visibility.
Parents and guardians in San Anselmo and nearby towns can talk to their kids about safe riding. It matters, especially on those short connectors like Vineyard Road that link quieter streets to busy ones.
The Novato community—and really, all of Marin County—needs to stay alert and look out for each other. Local law enforcement will share updates as they learn more, but let’s be real: it’s up to all of us to keep these streets safe for kids, families, and anyone out for a ride through the Bay Area’s best backyard.
Here is the source article for this story: Older woman wanted after hit and run involving child in Novato
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