Simi Valley Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Police Officer Following Donut Shop Rampage

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Frank Leslie Blessing  (DOB 06/26/67), of Simi Valley, has been charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from a  violent incident that resulted in significant property damage and the attempted murder of a police officer.

Blessing is charged with one count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one count of  assault upon a peace officer, three counts of felony vandalism, and two counts of battery on a  peace officer or nurse. He also faces several special allegations and aggravating factors, including  use of a deadly weapon, and the crime involved great violence. Blessing made his first court  appearance on June 1, 2026, where his arraignment was continued.

Judge Paul Feldman called  the alleged conduct “egregious” and held Blessing in custody with no bail after prosecutors  successfully argued he remains a danger to the community. 

“The allegations describe a deliberate and escalating series of violent acts,” said District Attorney  Erik Nasarenko. “Using a car to allegedly attempt to murder a police officer is a heinous act that  requires the strongest of consequences.” 

On May 27, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Blessing is accused of attempting to enter a donut  shop located on Erringer Road in Simi Valley while the business was closed. After being unable to  gain entry through the front door, Blessing allegedly used a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV to ram through  the front entrance multiple times, causing extensive damage to the building. A responding Simi  Valley Police Department (SVPD) officer observed the damaged SUV leaving the area and  conducted a traffic stop. During the encounter, Blessing allegedly reversed his vehicle into the  officer’s patrol car twice before accelerating toward the officer. The officer was forced to dodge the  vehicle to avoid being struck. Blessing’s vehicle ultimately became immobilized after crashing into  a wall near a neighboring residence. 

As officers attempted to take Blessing into custody, he is accused of throwing a fixed-blade knife at  one officer, missing him. Following a prolonged struggle, officers arrested Blessing. After being  transported to a local hospital, Blessing allegedly continued to resist and kicked both a police  officer and a nurse. 

Deputy District Attorney Kalin Woodward, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s  Office Crimes Against Police Officers Unit, is prosecuting the case. 

Blessing’s continued arraignment is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of  the Ventura County Superior Court. 

Case: 2026013743 

Defendant Information: 
Frank Leslie Blessing (DOB 06/26/67) 
Simi Valley 

Charges: 

• PC 664/187(a) – Attempted murder 
• PC 245 (c) – Assault upon peace officer 
• (3 counts) PC 594(b)(1) – Vandalism over $400 
• PC 243(b) – Battery upon an officer 
• PC 243(b) – Battery upon a doctor or nurse 

Special allegations: 

• PC 664(e) – Attempted murder or peace officer 
• PC 12022(b)(1) – Use of deadly weapon 
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence 
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – The defendant was armed with and used a weapon 
• CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable
• CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant has engaged in violent conduct