A 23-year-old man from Novato, California, is facing multiple charges after he tried to run from police during a late-night DUI chase and crashed his BMW into a front yard, police said.
What Happened?
According to the Novato Police Department, the suspect, Jovias Kennedy, was seen speeding in a white BMW around 12:47 a.m. on Redwood Boulevard near Olive Avenue. When a police officer tried to stop him, Kennedy allegedly refused to pull over and instead led officers on a chase.
The high-speed pursuit took place through downtown Novato, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
The Crash
The chase ended dramatically when Kennedy’s BMW hit an embankment on Marion Avenue, went airborne, and then landed in the front yard of a home, according to police.
Luckily, no one inside the home was injured during the crash.
Kennedy was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries, and then booked into Marin County Jail. He faces charges for driving under the influence (DUI) and several other offenses related to the incident.
Police Message to the Public
In a statement, the Novato Police Department reminded the public of the dangers of impaired driving. “It is our mission to keep impaired drivers off Novato roadways and reduce injury and fatal collisions,” the department said.
They encouraged residents to make smart choices: call a sober friend, use a rideshare app, or designate a driver before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
“Impaired driving is never the answer,” police added. “Together, we can create a safer Novato.”
This incident serves as a serious reminder about the risks and consequences of drinking and driving. A split-second decision to avoid a traffic stop while under the influence could have ended much worse — not just for the driver but for innocent people nearby.
Thanks to quick action by police, no lives were lost, but this crash could have easily turned tragic. Authorities continue to urge everyone to stay responsible and never drive under the influence.
