Atascadero police make additional arrests in gang-related assault investigation

By Atascadero News · Fri Oct 31 2025

ATASCADERO — Detectives with the Atascadero Police Department have made several additional arrests connected to a gang-related assault and robbery that occurred on Aug. 30 at the Centennial Bridge.

The incident, captured on city surveillance cameras, involved an assault with a deadly weapon and the forcible theft of shoes. Officers responded within moments, preventing the situation from escalating.

Following the initial investigation, two teens were arrested, with a third suspect later taken into custody after a related gang fight at Atascadero High School.

On Oct. 30, detectives executed search warrants in Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Santa Maria with assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. The operation led to the arrests of Vaughn Elias Whipple, 18, of Arroyo Grande, and Kira Kaitlyn Westfall, 18, of Nipomo, along with three teen males, ages 14, 16, and 16.

In total, seven arrests have been made in connection with the assault, and an eighth related arrest stems from the high school incident. Detectives also recovered gang-related evidence during the searches.

Chief of Police Dan Suttles praised the department’s ongoing efforts, saying, “This case demonstrates the kind of steady, behind-the-scenes work our detectives do every day. Today’s results send a clear message, if you come to Atascadero to commit crimes, we will find you, and we will hold you accountable.”