By Mike De La Cruz
The Merced Sun-Star
ATWATER- Armed men, posing as police to gain entry into a Maple Street home, tied the four victims and pistol-whipped one person in a Thursday home-invasion robbery.
The 25-year-old victim was treated at the scene for injuries to his face and body but did not require hospitalization, police Detective Armando Echevarria said.
Around 10 a.m. police were called to the 1100 block of Maple Street in which three to five Latino men in their 20s allegedly robbed the four victims ages 16 to 25.
The robbers reportedly gained entry into the residence by posing as police officers, Echevarria said.
“It’s pretty daring. I’m sure it was a pretty traumatic experience for the individuals involved,” Echevarria said.
When the door was opened, the robbers -- at least two armed with handguns -- forced their way into the house and bound the victims, the detective said.
During the robbery, one of the men reportedly pistol-whipped the 25-year-old victim while the remaining thieves ransacked the house.
When a relative of one of the victims arrived at the house, he also was forced inside the residence and robbed.
After taking property from the house and the victims, the robbers fled in what was possibly a small red car, Echevarria said. Several wallets, with cash and credit cards, were taken.
After the robbers left, one of the victims called police.
If residents are afraid to open their doors and have concerns about the true identity of people knocking at their door claiming to be officers, they can telephone the police department to confirm their presence, Echevarria said.
He said plain clothes detectives or uniformed officers have badges and credentials establishing their identity and will gladly wait until this is confirmed by dispatchers, he said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Atwater Police Department at 357-6387 and ask for Detective Adolfo Lomeli.
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