Vegetation Fire in Marinwood- Arrest Made

On Tuesday, August 13th, at approximately 0418 hours, the Marin County Sheriff's Office Communications Center began receiving calls regarding a potential vegetation fire in the area of Marinwood. As Fire personnel began to arrive on scene, a small fire was located within the Open Space area, north of the Marinwood neighborhood.

Resources from Novato Fire District, San Rafael Fire Department, Marin County Fire Department, Cal Fire and Marin County Parks supplied resources to contain the fire that ultimately burned approximately 18 acres before being extinguished. During the investigation, Marin County Sheriff's Office Deputies, working in conjunction with Marin County Fire Department and Novato Police Department were able to identify a subject as potentially being involved with the fire.

Patrol Units began to search the area for the subject, who was located near the Safeway on Nave Dr. in Novato. After a brief struggle with Novato PD officers, Colin Crook (34 year old male, San Rafael) was detained for his involvement. Crook was later interviewed by Marin County Sheriff's Deputies where he admitted to starting the fire, where he burned his tent and belongings, leaving the area prior to extinguishing it completely. Crook additionally admitted that he knew starting the fire was reckless, but he chose to leave the area so he would not get in trouble.

Crooks was ultimately arrested for 452(C)PC Recklessly Starting Fire to Forest Land and 182 (A)1 PC Delay/ Obstruct Police Officer. He was booked at the Marin County Jail where he will be held on a total bail amount of $12,000.