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Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Ramming SUV Into Simi Valley Donut Shop

Prosecutors say the 58-year-old allegedly turned his SUV toward an officer during the response which has prompted special allegations that can increase penalties.

Overview

  • Police say the incident began at about 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday when the suspect arrived at Donuts Plus on Erringer Road, became upset the shop was closed, and then drove a Chevrolet Tahoe repeatedly into the storefront.
  • Surveillance video released by the business shows the SUV smashing the front glass and becoming partially lodged before backing out and fleeing the scene.
  • Officers who later located the damaged Tahoe say the driver reversed into a patrol car twice and then accelerated toward an officer who dodged the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.
  • Prosecutors say the SUV stopped after crashing into a residence wall, the suspect threw a fixed-blade knife at an officer, resisted arrest and was Tasered, and he then kicked a nurse at a hospital while still resisting.
  • Ventura County prosecutors have charged Frank Leslie Blessing with attempted murder of a peace officer and multiple felonies, filed special allegations including use of a deadly weapon, and a judge ordered him held without bail with a next hearing on June 22.