Ventura Police Department – Incident Press Release
The man who attacked a Ventura Police Officer and was subsequently shot on Monday morning has been identified as Christopher Hays, 37, of Ventura.
Beginning at about 8:30 AM on 04/01/19, Christopher Hays made several telephone calls to the Ventura Police Department Dispatch Center. During these calls, Hays threatened to kill members of the police department, as well as bomb the police station and local schools.
Officers responded to Hays’ residence and learned he was not there. As the investigation continued, officers obtained information that Hays may be on his way to the Ventura County Government Center. This information, along with a description of Hays and his vehicle, was broadcast to the police officers working patrol.
At about 10:30 AM, a Ventura Police officer observed Hays’ vehicle driving into the parking lot of the Ventura County Government Center. The officer made contact with Hays and gave verbal directives, but Hays was non-compliant. Instead, Hays verbally threatened the officer and then physically assaulted him. Hays was able to gain control of the officer’s baton and used it to strike the officer’s arm and head. The officer attempted to use a taser to safely end the confrontation, but it was unsuccessful and Hays continued his assault.
The officer then fired two shots that struck Hays in the abdomen which ended the attack.
Hays was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. The officer was also treated at a local hospital and released the same day.
The officer involved in this incident has been identified as Sergeant Sam Harbert, a 28 year law enforcement veteran.
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