Novato Police Arrest Suspect in Highway 37 Shooting

34-year-old East Bay man charged with attempted murder and firearm possession

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Novato police have arrested a 34-year-old East Bay man, Donald Nunez Jr., on suspicion of attempted murder and firearm possession as a convicted felon for a shooting that occurred on Highway 37 in Novato over the weekend. The victim, a 50-year-old pedestrian, was seriously injured but is in stable condition.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing public safety concerns around gun violence and the need for effective law enforcement response to such crimes, especially in high-traffic areas like highways. The arrest also raises questions about the suspect's criminal history and whether more could have been done to prevent this alleged attack.

The details

According to police, the shooting happened on Saturday afternoon on Highway 37 between Highway 101 and Atherton Avenue. Officers found the 50-year-old victim on the south side of the highway. Investigators linked Nunez to the shooting and executed a search warrant at his San Pablo residence on Tuesday, seizing several guns, though Nunez was not home at the time. Nunez later turned himself in at the Novato Police Department on Wednesday. Police say the suspect and victim were acquaintances, and the incident appears to be isolated.

  • The shooting occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Police executed a search warrant at Nunez's residence on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Nunez turned himself in to police on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Donald Nunez Jr.

A 34-year-old East Bay man who has been charged with attempted murder and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon for the Highway 37 shooting.

Novato Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Nunez and is investigating the shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“'A motive for this crime is still under investigation. However, this suspect and victim were acquaintances, and this appears to be an isolated incident.'”

— Lt. Alan Bates, Novato Police Department (marinij.com)

What’s next

The arraignment for Donald Nunez Jr. is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to grant him bail.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence, even in seemingly isolated incidents. It also raises questions about the suspect's criminal history and whether more could have been done to prevent this alleged attack on a public highway.