Arrest in Atwater robbery

ATWATER -- An 18-year-old man was arrested this week on suspicion of robbing a woman of her laptop computer and other items, Atwater police reported Thursday.

Gordon Will Columbus was taken into custody on suspicion of committing the robbery about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 1000 block of Kelso Street, according to Lt. Sam Joseph.

The 27-year-old victim reported leaving a residence and being approached by a robber, who pointed a handgun at her and asked her to hand over her items. The victim handed over her laptop and other items, Joseph said.

The robber then took off in a silver vehicle, police said.

During their investigation, detectives learned the culprit went by the street moniker "Suspect" and traced that name back to Columbus.

He was arrested Wednesday night at a location on Carter Avenue and booked at the Merced County jail on suspicion of making terrorist threats, aggravated assault and robbery.

Police also impounded Columbus' Nissan as evidence.

-- Sun-Star staff