Atascadero Police Department Makes Additional Arrests in Gang-Related Assault Investigation

Detectives with the Atascadero Police Department have made several additional arrests connected to a gang-related assault and robbery that occurred earlier this year at the Centennial Bridge. 

On August 30, 2025, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Atascadero Police Dispatch personnel observed a fight in progress on live surveillance cameras in the Centennial Bridge area. Officers were immediately dispatched and arrived within moments, prompting several subjects to flee. The rapid response likely prevented the incident from escalating further and minimized the risk of serious injuries. 

The incident was determined to involve an assault with a deadly weapon (a bottle) and the forcible theft of a pair of shoes. Through video evidence and follow-up investigation, detectives identified the altercation as gang-related and linked multiple participants to Atascadero. 

In the weeks following the incident, detectives arrested two juveniles for their involvement, and a third suspect was later taken into custody following a separate gang-related fight that occurred on the Atascadero High School campus. 

The investigation did not stop there. Over the following months, detectives continued working to identify additional suspects associated with the case. That ongoing effort culminated today, October 30, 2025, when Atascadero Police detectives, assisted by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants in Arroyo Grande, Nipomo, and Santa Maria. 

As a result, detectives arrested the following individuals: 

Vaughn Elias Whipple,18 years, of Arroyo Grande, arrested for 245(a)(4) PC; Assault with a Deadly Weapon likely to cause great bodily injury and 182(a)(1) PC; Conspiracy 

Kira Kaitlyn Westfall,18 years, of Nipomo, arrested for 182(a)(1) PC; Conspiracy 

In addition, three juvenile males, ages 14, 16, and 16, were also taken into custody for their involvement in the case. During the search warrant operations, detectives recovered gang-related evidence and other items directly linked to the investigation. 

In total, seven arrests have now been made in connection with the August 30 assault, with an eighth related arrest stemming from the fight at Atascadero High School. 

Chief of Police Dan Suttles commended the detectives for their persistence: 

 “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.” 

The Atascadero Police Department wishes to thank the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and assistance in this investigation.