Atwater man accused of attacking woman with rake handle, police say

A 57-year-old Atwater man was arrested earlier this week, accused of attacking at least one woman with a stick and threatening to kill at least one other person, the Police Department reported.

Robert J. Reed was booked into the Merced County jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats, according to booking records.

Reed was arrested about 9:30 p.m. in the Cedar Avenue area of Atwater, Lt. Samuel Joseph said.

A motive for the attack was unclear, but officers said they believe Reed may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol during the incidents.

Police responded to a home in the 1200 block of Fourth Street after receiving reports of a man, who was later identified as Reed, trying to get into the backyard of a home and threatening a woman who was baby-sitting children, police said.

Police said Reed brandished a rake at the woman and yelled, “I’m going to kill all of you guys; I’m going to get my gun.” The woman told police Reed walked around the house, apparently looking for a way into the backyard. The woman was able to get inside the home with the children, police said.

A short time later, according to police, Reed attempted to enter another backyard and also brandished the rake, stating to several people, “I’ll murder you all.”

Police said Reed entered the backyard and swung the rake at the woman, striking her in the leg. She got away and police arrested Reed a short time later, officers said.

Reed remained in custody Wednesday.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Atwater man accused of attacking woman with rake handle, police say."