Simi Valley, California — A Southern California man accused of repeatedly crashing his SUV into a donut shop because it was closed is now facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly using the vehicle against a police officer during a chaotic chain of events, authorities say.
The incident, which was partially captured on surveillance video, unfolded in the early morning hours of May 27 and ended with multiple felony charges against the suspect.
Donut Shop Visit Allegedly Turns Violent
According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, 58-year-old Frank Leslie Blessing arrived at Donuts Plus on Erringer Road in Simi Valley around 3:30 a.m.
Investigators say Blessing became enraged after discovering the business was closed.
Surveillance footage released by the shop reportedly shows a gray Chevrolet Tahoe pulling into the parking lot before the driver repeatedly attempts to open the front door.
After realizing he could not get inside, the driver allegedly returned to his SUV and took drastic action. Moments later, the vehicle repeatedly crashed into the storefront, shattering glass and causing extensive damage to the business.
The footage reportedly shows the SUV becoming partially lodged inside the building before backing out.
Surveillance Video Captures Chaos
Following the impact, prosecutors say the driver continued behaving erratically in the parking lot. The vehicle allegedly performed reverse donuts near the storefront and partially onto a nearby sidewalk before speeding away from the scene.
A donut shop sign was reportedly left swinging after the violent collision.
Authorities later determined the damage was intentional. Investigators allege Blessing deliberately drove into the business because he was upset it was not open.
Police Pursuit Escalates Into Serious Charges
After locating the heavily damaged SUV, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
According to prosecutors, the situation quickly escalated. Authorities allege Blessing backed into a patrol vehicle twice before accelerating directly toward a police officer.
Investigators say the officer was forced to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.
The allegation ultimately led prosecutors to charge Blessing with attempted murder of a peace officer, one of the most serious charges in the case.
The pursuit ended after the SUV crashed into a wall near a neighboring residence and became disabled.
Suspect Allegedly Resisted Arrest and Threw Knife
When officers approached the disabled vehicle, authorities say Blessing refused to comply with commands. Prosecutors allege he was armed with a fixed-blade knife and threw it toward an officer.
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Authorities said the knife missed its target.
Officers subsequently deployed TASERs and engaged in what prosecutors described as a prolonged struggle before successfully taking Blessing into custody.
The confrontation reportedly continued even after he was transported to a hospital. According to investigators, Blessing allegedly kicked both a police officer and a nurse while receiving treatment.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Blessing now faces a lengthy list of charges, including:
- Attempted murder of a peace officer
- Assault upon a peace officer
- Three counts of felony vandalism
- Two counts of battery on a peace officer or nurse
Prosecutors also filed special allegations claiming the attempted murder victim was a peace officer, that a deadly weapon was used and that the crimes involved great violence.
“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating series of violent acts,” Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said.
“Using a car to allegedly attempt to murder a police officer is a heinous act that requires the strongest of consequences.”
A judge ordered Blessing held without bail, citing concerns about public safety. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 22 in Ventura County Superior Court.
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