The Oxnard Police Department recently released a critical incident briefing video regarding a violent confrontation that occurred on April 20, 2026. The footage provides a detailed look at the events that unfolded inside a local restaurant on Saviers Road.
Officers were dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting a man, identified as 41-year-old Anastacio Meneses, brandishing a machete. Upon arrival, police found the suspect inside the establishment, where he refused to comply with verbal commands to drop the weapon.
While officers successfully evacuated most patrons, two employees remained trapped inside the building with the suspect. The situation escalated rapidly when Meneses flipped a table and charged directly at the responding officers with the machete raised.
Officer Brandon Castillo, who joined the department in 2024, discharged his service weapon three times, striking the suspect. Despite being hit, Meneses regained his footing and initiated a second charge toward the officers.
Officer Castillo fired three additional rounds to neutralize the threat. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect attacked a police K9 named Al, causing a laceration to the dog's upper lip.
A K9 deployment was ultimately required to fully disarm and subdue the suspect. Meneses was transported to a local hospital in Ventura County to receive treatment for gunshot wounds to his torso, hand, and arms.
The police K9 received medical attention and has since been cleared to return to active duty. No human officers sustained injuries during the high-stakes encounter.
Meneses currently faces several serious felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and attacking a police service dog. He remains in custody while receiving ongoing medical care.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the case to ensure all protocols were followed.
This release of bodycam footage reflects the department's ongoing commitment to transparency following critical incidents. The video serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work and the rapid escalation of violence in public spaces.