Police arrest suspected car thief after negotiating for hours in Novato

NOVATO (CBS SF) -- Police negotiated for with a suspected car thief Tuesday who barricaded him inside a car believed stolen in Novato until he gave himself up.

Officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle seen at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center around 2 p.m. Tuesday. Responding officers found the vehicle and reportedly tried to initiate a stop. "NPD Officers working on stolen vehicle case," Novato police tweeted around 2:30 p.m.

Police said the driver, however, failed to pull over and drove around traffic in an unsafe manner before stopping and then refusing to get out of the vehicle.

Police contacted the Novato/San Rafael regional Crisis Negotiation Team, which responded and assisted with negotiations.

After several hours, the 35-year-old driver exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

Police closed Cambridge Street between Arthur and Dawes Street during negotiations. 

Authorities asked people to avoid the area.

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