Suspect arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, weapons charges, Atwater police say

A suspect was arrested Sunday after police found an illegal firearm following an alleged domestic fight, according to authorities.

Atwater police arrested a man identified as 30-year-old Ruben Robles, after officers responded to the 3000 block of Manchester Street at about 1 p.m., according to an Atwater Police Department Facebook post.

Police said a woman left the residence and met officers at another location. After speaking with the woman, officers learned that her estranged husband had allegedly assaulted her during a child visitation, according to police.

During an interview with the woman it was disclosed to officers that Robles was in possession of at least one AR-15 Assault Rifle, according to the release.

Officers contacted Robles by phone and convinced him to surrender police. He was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence charges, according to authorities.

Police said Robles voluntarily told officers the location of his legally possessed handguns as well as an illegally manufactured AR-15 Assault Rifle. Officers also located multiple high capacity magazines as well as enough unmarked parts to assemble at least one more rifle, police said.

According to authorities, Robles was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of domestic battery and weapons charges. Robles posted bail and was released from custody Sunday evening, according to Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Daryl Allen.