Atwater officer dragged by vehicle while responding to call, police say

At Atwater police officer was injured Sunday when he was dragged by a vehicle while responding to a call, authorities said.

According to the Atwater Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of Third Street and Fir Avenue at about 1 p.m., for a report of an unresponsive man subject in a vehicle.

Officers found a black man in the vehicle who appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance, according to a news release.

As officers attempted to check on his condition, he started the car and tried to flee. Police said an officer on the passenger side of the vehicle was caught in the open door and dragged more than 90 feet before the officer was able to free himself, according to police.

Authorities said the vehicle was last seen driving northbound on Winton Way near Grove Street. Police say they are looking for the vehicle described as a late model silver Toyota Camry with a bicycle rack on the rear and California license plate 7FPH719.

Police described the driver of the vehicle as a light-skinned African American man with a large build, long dark dreadlocks and acne scars.

Police said the officer dragged by the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was evaluated at a hospital and released.

Authorities said the case is under investigation and anyone with information on this case or other criminal activity is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384.

This story was originally published December 15, 2019 at 5:23 PM.