Atwater Police Department

08/28/2026

Earlier this evening, The Atwater Police Department and the Merced County District Attorney's Office conducted retail theft enforcement operations at our local shopping centers. Within a couple hours, several people were arrested for theft related offenses or warrants for theft. The Atwater Police Department will continue these operations to help reduce retail theft in our area. Thank you to the Merced County District Attorney's Office for all their assistance in combating retail theft.

08/28/2026

On behalf of the Atwater Police Department and the citizens of Atwater, please join us in congratulating Chief Richard McEachin on his retirement.

Chief Richard McEachin graduated from the Police Academy at Napa Valley College on December 6, 2003. After graduating the academy, he worked for various police departments in the Bay Area before being hired in January 2018 as the chief of police in Dos Palos. After 5 years, Chief McEachin was hired as the Chief of Clayton PD where he held that rank for 2 years. On December 19th 2024, Chief Richard McEachin returned to Merced County and was sworn in as the chief of police here in Atwater. During his time here, he oversaw the second phase of the police department remodel, reinstituted the Street Crimes unit, and brought back the rank of Corporal. Chief McEachin has dedicated 22 years of service in law enforcement, with 2 of those here in Atwater.

Chief Richard McEachin, badge number 699, is “10-10” into retirement. We thank you for your 22 years of service. Congratulations!

08/27/2026

On 08/26/2026 the Merced County C.I.T.E. (County Integrated Traffic Enforcement) team patrolled the City of Atwater. During the operation period over 100 citations were issued to drivers for various traffic violations. The goal of the mission is to educate, enforce, and protect the public from dangerous driving. Thank you to Mayor Nelson for riding along with the Atwater Police Department and always showing his support.

08/25/2026

Please be advised that the smoke currently in the City is a result of this fire.

**ROAD CLOSURE - BALLICO**

N Newport Road from Sunny Acres Ave to East Ave is closed.

A tire fire is currently burning at a recycling center in the 13000 block of Newport Road in Ballico. The fire is expected to continue burning for some time. Residents are advised to stay indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid the area while emergency crews manage the incident.

Please utilize the Perimeter link for updates regarding the road closure.

https://perimetermap.com/incidents/polygon/241818

08/14/2026

08/11/2026

An important message from the Atwater Elementary School District Elementary School District

We would like to take this time to remind everyone of a few safety precautions while driving near or around our school campuses, particularly during early morning drop off and afternoon pick up.

As you are driving around our schools, please remember that a crosswalk must be completely free of pedestrians before you can proceed.

For your student’s safety, be sure to have your student exit the vehicle on the right side closest to the curb and utilize the nearest crosswalk.

Please never sacrifice the safety of students for convenience! Be alert, slow down and be aware of student bicycle traffic in and around school zones.

It’s important that we remember these safety precautions to ensure we keep our students and staff safe!

Thank you!

08/07/2026

On 08/06/26 at approximately 0455 APD Officers were dispatched to the area of Oak Grove Way and El Rodenbaugh Way where it was reported that an adult male wearing dark clothing was looking through vehicles with a flashlight. Officer Lozano located Brandon Villafan of Winton, who returned on County probation with search and seizure terms. Upon searching Villafan officers located a concealed knife and various items that appeared to belong to other individuals. Through an investigation, it was determined that Villafan entered unlocked vehicles in the area and stole various items. Villafan was ultimately booked into the Merced County Jail on weapons and theft related charges.

08/06/2026

On 8/4/2026 at approximately 2229 hours, APD Dispatch received notice from a concerned citizen of an individual sleeping in a vehicle while blocking an exit in the area of Manzanita Drive and Live Oak Drive. Officer Brown responded and contacted Jose Gracia of Atwater inside his vehicle. He was determined to be on probation with search and seizure terms. Upon having Gracia step out of the vehicle, Officers found him to be in possession of a stolen firearm and narcotics while being a convicted felon. Gracia was ultimately booked into the Merced County Jail on several weapons and narcotic charges.