By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
A Port Hueneme man has been charged with multiple felony offenses, including attempted murder, following a violent attack on a police officer who was responding to a mental health-related call earlier this month, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced.
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said Christian Octavio Arreola, 32, is facing charges of attempted murder, assault on a peace officer, battery with injury on a peace officer and resisting an executive officer. Prosecutors also allege that the crime involved great violence and that Arreola was armed with and used a weapon. A special allegation related to the attempted murder of a peace officer has also been filed.
“This was an attack on a police officer who was responding to a mental health crisis and attempting to protect both the individual involved and the community,” Nasarenko said in a statement. “Violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated, and my office will aggressively prosecute those who commit these dangerous crimes.”
Violent confrontation during welfare check
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Jan. 8, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., when officers from the Port Hueneme Police Department responded to a residence to assist Ventura County Behavioral Health personnel, including members of the Crisis Intervention Team, in making contact with Arreola.
Officers and behavioral health staff reportedly made several attempts to contact Arreola but were unsuccessful. Arreola’s father later granted officers permission to enter the residence.
Once inside, officers announced their presence, prosecutors said. Arreola is accused of suddenly charging at a Port Hueneme police officer and stabbing him in the left eye with a steel dental pick. Authorities allege Arreola continued thrusting the weapon toward the officer’s body and stomach as the officer attempted to retreat.
The officer’s ballistic vest prevented further injuries, according to the District Attorney’s Office. A second officer discharged his firearm in an effort to stop the attack, striking Arreola twice.
Both Arreola and the injured officer were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. The condition of the officer was not immediately disclosed.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Kalin Woodward and Heather Sweatman, members of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Crimes Against Police Officers Unit.
Arreola made his first court appearance on Jan. 21, 2026. His arraignment was continued to Feb. 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail.
