4 people stabbed in Merced County attack, police say. Suspect arrested after brief chase
Four people were stabbed Wednesday morning in Atwater in what police described as a random attack.
The incidents took place at 11 a.m. at First Street and Atwater Boulevard.
Witnesses initially called police to say a woman was being assaulted. As officers were en route to the area, witnesses also told police that the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and was fleeing towards Teasdale.
Officers found the vehicle and initiated a brief chase before the driver crashed and was taken into custody without further incident, police said. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Isidro Chavez Gonzales of Atwater, was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges related to the stabbings.
Police said four victims were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Their updated conditions were not known as of Wednesday afternoon.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 209-617-2997.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 3:53 PM.
