This morning at 7:08 AM, Atwater Police Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Sycamore Avenue regarding a male walking down the street with a shotgun. Upon arriving in the area, a local resident informed police that he had confronted 2 males who were trying to steal a pair of rims and tires. One of the males, later identified as 35 year old Jesus Lopez of Winton, pointed a shotgun at the victim. When Lopez was detained by Atwater officers, a loaded shotgun was found inside the leg of his pants. During the course of the investigation, 25 year old Jeffrey Crawford of Winton, was identified along with Lopez as being involved in the armed robbery.

 

Crawford was arrested on scene for various drug charges, a no bail felony warrant and armed robbery.

Lopez was arrested for armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing a firearm and possession of stolen property. The shotgun seized had been stolen in an Atwater residential burglary earlier this year.

 

A subsequent search of the hotel room used by the suspects revealed evidence of identity theft, possible mail theft, and other crimes. Atwater PD Detectives will be investigating these crimes, and we will release further information when we determine the identity of the victims of these crimes.