Full Notification

On April 18, 2023, at 2:42 PM a reported assault in progress led Simi Valley Officers to Walmart at 255 W. Cochran St in Simi Valley. The incident involved a customer, later identified as Austin Eis, stabbing an employee within the store. The suspect fled the scene before the officers arrived, but witnesses provided information about the suspect's vehicle, a white Toyota Camry missing the front bumper, along with the license plate number.

Simi Valley Dispatchers communicated this crime to the CHP and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to assist in searching for the suspect.

Simi Valley Police Detectives responded to the scene and conducted an investigation into the incident.  Witnesses and victims indicated the suspect entered the Walmart and approached an employee.  Without provocation, the suspect pepper sprayed the Walmart employee and assaulted the victim with a large knife.  The suspect, then physically assaulted a second employee and attempted to drag her away.  As other employees approached to assist and rescue the victims, the suspect lunged at the employees with the knife.  The suspect subsequently fled the location and drove away in his vehicle prior to officers arriving on scene.      

The initial male victim sustained multiple stab wounds and was transported to a local trauma center for treatment.  The victim is still hospitalized and in stable condition.

The second female victim was treated and released for minor injuries.

The third and fourth male victims were not injured in the altercation.

As the investigation progressed, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department informed the Simi Valley Police Department of an injury collision in the Lake View Canyon and Thousand Oaks Blvd area involving the same suspect vehicle involved in the Walmart stabbing. The suspect was subsequently apprehended at the scene.

For the crimes that occurred in Simi Valley.  Austin Eis, a 24 year old male resident of Ventura County was charged with attempted murder, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and illegal use of tear gas.

The motive for the attack in Simi Valley is yet to be determined, and the investigation remains ongoing. Some details regarding the investigation cannot be released due to investigative integrity at this time and the multi-jurisdictional nature of this case.

Anyone that witnessed the crime at Walmart, please contacted Simi Valley Police Detective Chris Lam at (805) 583-6959.   

Media Contact:
Commander Ritchie Lew
PIO
(805) 583-6909