A motorcyclist was arrested near Atwater on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a high-speed crash, brief foot chase, and attempt to hide in a canal near Highway 99. (CHP)
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A motorcyclist was arrested after a crash and brief search Friday afternoon in the Atwater area, according to the CHP Merced Area office.
At approximately 3 p.m., a CHP officer observed a motorcyclist speeding without a helmet on Gurr Road south of Green Sands Avenue, just outside Atwater. When the officer attempted to conduct an enforcement stop, officials said the rider accelerated and continued driving recklessly.
The motorcyclist then crashed into a truck at Gurr and Ashby roads and was ejected from the motorcycle. After the collision, the rider fled on foot toward Highway 99.
Authorities said the individual then jumped into the Weber Canal and attempted to hide beneath the freeway. Additional units responded and set up a perimeter in the area.
After about 15 minutes, the suspect surrendered to officers without further incident.
The rider was medically cleared and later booked into the Merced County Jail on multiple driving-related violations, according to CHP Merced.
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