Drunk Driver Grabbed Deputy's Gun While Attempting To Flee: SDSO

VISTA, CA — A suspected drunk driver was arrested Sunday after leading deputies on a chase before grabbing a deputy's gun during his struggle to flee on foot, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies spotted a fast-moving Ford Ranger weaving through traffic on the 800 block of North Santa Fe Avenue in Vista just after 9 p.m. Saturday, prompting them to attempt to initiate a traffic stop, according to sheriff's officials.

"The driver refused to yield to the emergency lights and sirens," sheriff's Lt. Noah Zarnow wrote in a release. "A vehicle pursuit ensued, traveling less than one mile at low speeds, reaching a maximum of approximately 29 mph."

The driver — identified as 28-year-old Efrain Bernardino Gomez — eventually stopped the truck in a residential driveway on the 800 block of North Citrus Avenue. Officers issued verbal commands, which Gomez did not obey, and he attempted to flee the scene on foot, officials said.

"As deputies attempted to take Gomez into custody, a physical struggle occurred," Zarnow wrote. "During the altercation, Gomez grabbed the barrel of a deputy's firearm and unsuccessfully attempted to pull it from the deputy's grasp."

Deputies used a Taser on Gomez before taking him into custody, according to officials.

Gomez was booked on suspicion of multiple charges including resisting arrest, attempting to remove a firearm from the deputy, evading police with disregard for safety, reckless driving, resisting an officer, drunk driving and driving without a license.