Victims describe violent Atwater sickle attack in court

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Multiple victims of a March 19, 2025, stabbing attack testified in court Tuesday, recounting a violent morning at an Atwater bus stop as the suspect, identified as Isidro Chavez Gonzalez, appeared before a judge.

Prosecutors allege Gonzalez attacked several people with a sickle while they were waiting at a bus stop. During the hearing, Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silvera called witnesses to describe their experiences.

A 65-year-old man told the court he was sitting on his walker when he was struck from behind. When asked about the immediate aftermath, he said, "I called 911 eight times and I was bleeding all over the place."

Among those who testified was a young girl who said she was walking home from school when she realized she was being followed. "At that moment, I turned around and saw that I was being followed. I tried to cross... that's when I started to get attacked," she said.

The girl told the court the attacker grabbed her by the hair and began punching her in the neck and head. "I fell to the ground, that's when I faced the person and I remember putting up my hand... I was screaming the whole time I was saying stop," she said.

While testifying, she identified the person she said attacked her. When asked if she saw that person in court, she responded, "Mhmm," adding, "He's wearing a grey shirt."

The girl testified she suffered lasting injuries from the attack. "I had about ten stab wounds," she said. She added, "My hand, my palm, and thumb are permanently numb."

A bystander also took the stand, describing how he got on his electric scooter at one point to chase the suspect. "I attempted to grab him and tell him that he's not going anywhere," the witness said, referring to the suspect.

Authorities said Gonzalez fled the scene after the attack and later stole a vehicle.

Another victim testified that he was pulled from the driver's seat of his truck and stabbed at an auto shop. When asked if the attacker said anything, the victim replied, "Yes, that he was going to kill me."

Police said the suspect then led officers on a pursuit that ended in a crash off Highway 140. Officers reported finding another knife in his possession at the time of his arrest.

After hearing several hours of testimony, a judge determined there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

"This is a very serious case. We took it very seriously. We just want to make sure that we preserve everyone's right to a fair trial," Silvera said.

Gonzalez is expected to return to court in two weeks, at which time he may enter a plea. The case could then proceed to trial.

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