April 25, 2026 – Merced CHP officials report that on Friday at approximately 3:00 p.m., a CHP Merced Area officer observed a motorcyclist speeding without a helmet on Gurr Road south of Green Sands Avenue just outside the city of Atwater, CA.

As the officer was attempting to initiate an enforcement stop, the rider accelerated and continued driving recklessly before crashing into a truck at Gurr Road and Ashby Road. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle, then immediately fled on foot toward State Route 99.

In an attempt to evade arrest, the subject jumped into the Weber Canal and tried to hide beneath the freeway. Additional units responded quickly and established a perimeter. After approximately 15 minutes, the subject surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

The rider was medically cleared and later booked into the Merced County Jail for multiple driving-related violations.

Another example of coordinated teamwork leading to a safe resolution!

Source & photos: Merced CHP