Man Charged With Attempted Murder of California Police Officer
What to Know
- Arreola was involved in a violent attack on a police officer during a mental health intervention at his residence.
- He allegedly stabbed the officer in the eye with a dental pick and continued to threaten him with a weapon.
- Another officer discharged his firearm, hitting Arreola twice to stop the attack, both individuals were hospitalized.
PORT HUENEME, California -- A Port Hueneme man has been charged with attempted murder and multiple other felonies following an alleged violent attack on a Port Hueneme police officer during a mental health response earlier this month.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that Christian Octavio Arreola has been charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, assault upon a peace officer, battery with injury on a peace officer, and resisting an executive officer, according to a news release.
Prosecutors further allege the crimes involved great violence, that Arreola was armed with and used a weapon, and include a special allegation related to the attempted murder of a peace officer.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., when Port Hueneme Police Department officers responded to a residence to assist Ventura County Behavioral Health personnel, including members of the Crisis Intervention Team, in contacting Arreola.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts to make contact, Arreola’s father granted officers permission to enter the residence. Once inside, officers announced their presence. Prosecutors allege Arreola charged at a Port Hueneme police officer and stabbed him in the left eye with a steel dental pick.
According to authorities, Arreola allegedly continued thrusting the weapon toward the officer’s body and stomach. The officer retreated, and his ballistic vest prevented additional injuries. Another officer discharged his firearm to stop the attack, striking Arreola twice.
Both Arreola and the injured officer were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
“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. “Violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated, and my office will aggressively prosecute those who commit these dangerous crimes.”
Arreola made his first court appearance on January 21, 2026. His arraignment was continued to February 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains in custody without bail.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Kalin Woodward and Heather Sweatman of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Crimes Against Police Officers Unit.