Port Hueneme Officer Stabbed in the Eye During Mental Health Crisis Call

A 32-year-old Port Hueneme man is facing multiple felony charges after a violent confrontation with law enforcement. Christian Octavio Arreola is accused of attacking a police officer with a steel dental pick.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 8, 2026, on Willowbrook Drive. Officers were responding to a call regarding a person experiencing a mental health crisis.

Members of the Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Crisis Intervention Team were also on the scene. They spent significant time attempting to communicate with Arreola through his door.

After several unsuccessful attempts to contact him, Arreola’s father gave officers permission to enter the residence. As soon as they stepped inside, Arreola reportedly charged at them.

He allegedly stabbed one officer in the left eye using the sharp dental tool. Prosecutors say he then continued to thrust the weapon toward the officer’s stomach.

The officer was wearing a ballistic vest, which prevented further life-threatening injuries. A second officer on the scene fired his service weapon, hitting Arreola twice to stop the attack.

Both the injured officer and Arreola were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery. Both were listed in stable condition following the violent struggle.

Arreola has been charged with attempted murder and assault on a peace officer. He is currently being held without bail as he recovers from his gunshot wounds.

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko stated that his office will aggressively prosecute the case. He emphasized that violence against officers responding to help the community will not be tolerated.

Arreola is scheduled to make his next appearance in court on February 20, 2026. The injured officer continues to undergo treatment for his eye injury.