Novato police have arrested a Santa Rosa man suspected of attempting to meet up with a 13-year-old girl for sex, a police sergeant said.

Raymond Severt, 53, allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to the girl and attempted to arrange a meeting with her in Novato, Sgt. Michael

Howard said.

On Monday, Severt drove to Novato, where he was arrested around 6:15 p.m. in the area of South Novato Boulevard and Gateway Court, Howard said.

Lt. Jennifer Welch said Severt met the girl online and arranged to meet her in person.

Severt was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of attempting to commit lewd and lascivious acts, contacting a minor with intent to commit sexual offenses, and attempting to annoy or molest a child under age 18, Howard said.

The jail booking log no longer lists him in custody Tuesday.

The investigation was continuing, Howard said.