Novato Man Arrested After Crashing Into Parked Cars While Intoxicated

Police say the incident resulted in thousands of dollars in damages to five vehicles.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 64-year-old Novato man, Edwin Ortega-Moran, was arrested on Monday night after allegedly crashing into five parked vehicles and attempting to flee the scene while driving under the influence, according to the Novato Police Department.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents involving intoxicated drivers can pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in residential areas where parked cars are common. This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing impaired driving and holding repeat offenders accountable.

The details

Police say they were called to the scene on Marin Valley Drive around 9 p.m. on Monday after a witness reported seeing a dark-colored vehicle strike multiple parked cars and attempt to flee. Officers quickly responded and detained the driver, Ortega-Moran, who they observed showed signs of intoxication. The incident resulted in major damages estimated to be in the thousands of dollars to the five parked vehicles.

  • The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Edwin Ortega-Moran

A 64-year-old Novato resident who was arrested for the incident.

Novato Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and made the arrest.

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What’s next

The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors determining whether to file charges against Ortega-Moran.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to address the ongoing issue of impaired driving in communities.