The Atwater Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred in the 700 block of Nocholas.
On September 25th, 2019, at approximately 8:18 pm, officers of the Atwater Police Department responded to the area, upon arrival, officers located a 70-year-old man near the street suffering from stab wounds in the upper torso.
The Investigation lead to the victim’s residence where the location of occurrence was found.
Inside the residence, officers found the man’s son identified as being Justin Downey, 29-year-old, a resident of Atwater covered in blood.
Officers also located a knife that is alleged to be the weapon used in the attack.
Further investigation led to officers taking Downy into custody at the scene without incident.
The victim was flown via air ambulance to a Modesto Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The victim’s condition is unknown at this time.
The motive for the stabbing is still under investigation.
Downey is being processed at Atwater PD prior to booking into Merced County Jail for a single count of Attempted Murder.
This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384.
Street name is spelled ‘Nicklaus Court’.
Dan is a very friendly and uiet man. Hope he recovers and Justin gets the help he needs.
Dan is an awesome guy. He’s an ex Vietnam veteran and retired from the fire department. He is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Hope he has a speedy recovery.