2 Atwater police officers injured during arrest

Two Atwater police officers suffered minor injuries Wednesday when a suspected car thief kicked out the window of a police car, showering the officers’ faces with shattered glass, the Police Department reported.

Officers David Walker and Levi Crain were examined for injuries by medical personnel at the scene. Glass shards got into Walker’s eyes and Crain told medical examiners he may have inadvertently swallowed some pieces, Lt. Samuel Joseph said.

“Both officers were checked out by Riggs medics and treated with water to flush out possible glass,” Joseph said. “Both were told to closely monitor the affected areas and seek medical attention if needed.”

The incident began just before 9 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to investigate a stolen vehicle report, police said.

Officers spotted the vehicle in question, a 1989 Toyota pickup truck, and followed it to the 1600 block of Sycamore Avenue. The driver, later identified by police as Ronald Holman, 22, ran into a nearby field. He was captured after a short foot chase and struggle with officers, police said.

“While trying to get information from Holman through the rear window (of the police car,) Holman slid back and kicked the driver side rear window out,” Joseph said. “This showered glass into both Officer Walker and Crain’s faces.”

Holman was taken to an area hospital for treatment of a broken wrist before he was booked into the Merced County jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, vandalism to city property, and battery on police officers.

He was still in custody Thursday afternoon without bail, according to booking records.

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "2 Atwater police officers injured during arrest."