A Simi Valley man accused of tearing via a donut store together with his SUV in a match of frustration is now going through an tried homicide cost after allegedly turning his car towards a police officer in the course of the chaotic collection of occasions, authorities introduced Wednesday.
Frank Leslie Blessing, 58, of Simi Valley, has been charged with tried homicide of a peace officer, assault upon a peace officer, three counts of felony vandalism and two counts of battery on a peace officer or nurse, based on the Ventura County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
The case stems from a predawn incident on Might 27 at Donuts Plus on Erringer Street in Simi Valley.
Investigators say Blessing arrived on the store round 3:30 a.m. and have become very offended when he found the small enterprise was closed.
Surveillance video launched by the enterprise exhibits a grey Chevrolet Tahoe pulling into the parking zone earlier than the motive force exits and tries a number of instances to open the entrance door.
After failing to get inside, the person could be seen throwing his arms up in frustration earlier than returning to the SUV.
Moments later, the Tahoe repeatedly slammed into the storefront, shattering the entrance glass and punching via the enterprise.
The footage seems to point out the car turning into partially lodged inside earlier than backing out.
A donut signal was left swaying after the violent impression.
The driving force then carried out erratic reverse donuts within the parking zone and partly onto the sidewalk earlier than rushing away, based on the video.
Police later situated the closely broken Tahoe and tried a visitors cease.
Prosecutors allege Blessing backed right into a patrol car twice earlier than accelerating straight towards an officer, forcing the officer to leap out of the way in which to keep away from being hit.
The pursuit ended when the SUV crashed right into a wall close to a neighboring residence and have become disabled.
Authorities mentioned officers moved in to arrest Blessing, who allegedly refused to conform and was armed with a fixed-blade knife.
Prosecutors declare he threw the knife at an officer however missed.
Officers deployed TASERs in the course of the confrontation and, after what authorities described as a protracted wrestle, took Blessing into custody.
Based on prosecutors, the resistance continued after he was transported to a hospital, the place he allegedly kicked each a police officer and a nurse.
Investigators later decided Blessing deliberately drove into the donut store as a result of he was upset it was closed.
One officer suffered minor accidents in the course of the incident.
No members of the general public have been harm.
Blessing appeared in courtroom Monday, the place his arraignment was postponed.
Ventura County Superior Court docket Choose Paul Feldman ordered him held with out bail after prosecutors argued he posed an ongoing risk to public security.
“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating collection of violent acts,” Ventura County District Lawyer Erik Nasarenko mentioned in an announcement. “Utilizing a automotive to allegedly try and homicide a police officer is a heinous act that requires the strongest of penalties.”
Together with the felony prices, prosecutors filed particular allegations claiming the tried homicide sufferer was a peace officer, that Blessing used a lethal weapon and that the offenses concerned nice violence.
His subsequent courtroom look is scheduled for June 22 in Ventura County Superior Court docket.
