Around 1:52 PM today, Atwater Police received a report of shots fired in the area of the Atwater Post Office in the 1500 block of Broadway. Witnesses reported at least 2 vehicles were involved and 4 to 5 gunshots had been fired. Both vehicles left the scene prior to the arrival of Atwater Police.

When they arrived, Atwater officers found a blood trail and a total of 4 expended shell casings in an adjacent business’ parking lot. Investigation disclosed that 3 Latino male adults exited a black Chevy Impala to go into a liquor store. After they exited and approach their vehicle, a green Honda Accord or similar vehicle pulled up behind the Chevy. At some point, shots were fired by an occupant of the Honda, which then sped off. The occupants of the Chevy run back to their vehicle and left the area.

Area hospitals were alerted, and Atwater Police were contacted by Modesto Police regarding a shooting victim seeking treatment in Turlock. While Modesto officers were investigating the crime, the male victim slipped out of the emergency room. Later that afternoon, we received a call from Mercy Hospital in Merced. The same male was seeking treatment there. The Merced Police stood by until Atwater Police Detectives arrived. The victim is being interviewed and our investigation into this matter continues.

The Atwater Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects in this shooting. Anyone with information about this crime can call the Atwater Police Department at (209) 357-6396 or contact the Merced Area Crimestoppers at 1-855-725-2420, or go to mercedareacrimestoppers.org to send anonymous information via text or email.