Novato, Calif. – Authorities arrested a 33-year-old man Friday morning after he allegedly drove his vehicle into the Islamic Center of North Marin and attacked a person inside the mosque, according to police reports.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the 7000 block of Redwood Boulevard. A Novato police officer, who was already patrolling the area, heard a loud crash and immediately rushed to the scene, officials said in a press release.
When the officer arrived, he reportedly saw the driver—later identified as David Slattery—enter the mosque after crashing his car into the building’s exterior. Witnesses told investigators that Slattery began acting erratically and allegedly assaulted someone inside before police intervened.
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The victim was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to KTVU.
Slattery was taken into custody and faces several charges, including felony assault, burglary, and vandalism. His bail has been set at $50,000.
Police said it is not yet clear if the incident is being classified as a hate crime, and the investigation is ongoing.
