FAIRFAX

Bar owner enters plea in DUI collision case

The owner of a Fairfax bar pleaded not guilty to the charge of injuring a person while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Edward Bacci, 81, entered his new plea Tuesday. Judge Geoffrey Howard reviewed the case during a preliminary hearing in April and found there was enough evidence to hold a jury trial. A trial date will be set on Aug. 14. Howard also set an Aug. 4 hearing on a defense motion to dismiss the charges.

The owner of Nave’s Bar and Grill is accused of injuring a 75-year-old pedestrian on July 23. The pedestrian was using a crosswalk near the Fairfax Market on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, police said.

During the preliminary hearing, Bacci testified that he drank alcohol that night. He recalled that he drove with his headlights on, but he did not see the pedestrian before the collision.

After hearing the case, Howard dismissed the charge of driving above the legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.08% since a police officer testified that the defendant tested within the legal limit.

Bacci’s attorney, Kevin Heaney, declined to comment after the hearing.

NOVATO

Police seek vehicle thief

Authorities are seeking an auto thief who fled from authorities in Novato.

The theft was reported on Monday on Marin Valley Drive. Around 11:30 p.m., CHP officers saw the stolen vehicle traveling on northbound Highway 101 near the Nave Drive exit, Novato police Lt. Sophia Winter said.

The driver allegedly led officers on a pursuit and fled across Hamilton School’s sports fields to Martin Drive. Authorities asked residents to stay inside while they conducted a search.

Winter said that the thief was not located. Police ask residents near the area to review their surveillance camera footage. Anyone with information can contact police at 415-897-4361.

WEST MARIN

Man accused of burglarizing ranch

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man who allegedly stole property from a ranch near Point Reyes Station.

Deputies were notified about a stranger who entered a dwelling around 8:30 a.m. Saturday on the property at Tomasini Canyon Road.

Authorities detained a man at the scene, Deputy Stephanie Ware said. She said they determined that he trespassed on the private property, and stole a camera and hunting equipment.

Darius Clayton Pottinger, 39, of Sacramento was arrested on suspicion of burglary, receiving stolen property and trespassing.

He was booked into Marin County Jail where his bail was set at $50,000.