Arrested: John Francis Farrell, 85 year old male, Novato, CA.
On March 11th 2020, around 0820AM, Deputies from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office along with Officers from the Novato Police Department and the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to the 800 block of Atherton Ave, Novato for a reported shooting. The victim called 911 and said she was shot and was being driven to a local fire station.
Deputies arrived a short time later and determined the victim was the caregiver for the suspect, John Francis Farrell. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. The victim reported she discarded the firearm the suspect used to shoot her near a residence.
Deputies determined Farrell was still inside the residence. Farrell surrendered peacefully at the residence and was taken into custody for questioning. A handgun was located at the scene and collected for evidence.
There is no danger to the community and this appears to be an isolated incident.
John Farrell will be booked into the Marin County Jail on the following charges:
664/187 PC – Attempted Homicide ($500,000 bail)
No booking photograph or further information will be released as the investigation continues.
Prepared by: Sergeant Brenton Schneider (628-888-9398 or b_schneider@marinsheriff.org)