Oxnard man arrested for allegedly assaulting detectives with screwdriver

OXNARD, Calif. - Oxnard police arrested a man after he allegedly brandished a screwdriver at a woman and two police detectives Monday afternoon.

Around 12:25 p.m., detectives with the Oxnard Police Department were traveling in a marked police car in the area of Sixth Street and Meta Street when they noticed a woman shouting for help.

The detectives said they stopped to help the woman when they noticed a suspect, later identified as 52-year-old Oscar Villareal, attempting to leave the area.

When the detectives tried to approach Villareal, they said he pulled a 9-inch screwdriver out of his pocket and lunged towards one of them.

The detectives retreated and began trying to negotiate with Villareal but said the suspect immediately threw the screwdriver at the other detective.

Police said one detective tried to use an electronic control device, however, Villareal was able to break the wires which minimized its effect.

The detectives then tackled Villareal to the ground and successfully took him into custody without further incident. Neither of the detectives were injured during this interaction.

Officers report they later learned Villareal had brandished the screwdriver at the woman who had called for help earlier, only minutes before the detectives' arrival.

Villareal was placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and resisting an executive officer, both felonies. Police said this is the sixteenth time Villareal has been arrested in Oxnard in the last twelve months.

Anyone with information about this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department by calling (805) 385-7600 or visiting their website www.oxnardpd.org.