Vista DUI pursuit ends in struggle as suspect allegedly grabs deputy’s gun during arrest attempt

Incident timeline

A North County traffic stop attempt in Vista escalated into a short vehicle pursuit and a physical confrontation late Saturday, January 17, resulting in the arrest of a 28-year-old man booked on suspicion of multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses.

San Diego County sheriff’s deputies reported spotting a Ford Ranger traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving through traffic in the 800 block of North Santa Fe Avenue shortly after 9 p.m. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle using emergency lights and sirens, but the driver did not yield.

The pursuit remained low-speed and covered less than a mile, with deputies reporting a top speed of about 29 mph. The driver ultimately stopped in a residential driveway in the 800 block of North Citrus Avenue.

Arrest and alleged attempt to seize a firearm

Deputies said the driver did not comply with verbal commands after stopping and tried to flee on foot. During an effort to take the suspect into custody, deputies reported a physical struggle in which the suspect grabbed the barrel of a deputy’s firearm and attempted to pull it away, without success.

Deputies used a Taser during the encounter and took the suspect into custody. Authorities reported no injuries to deputies and no property damage associated with the incident.

Suspect identification and booked charges

The suspect was identified by authorities as Efrain Bernardino Gomez, 28. He was taken to the Vista Detention Facility and booked on suspicion of the following offenses:

• Felony suspicion: resisting arrest; attempting to remove a firearm from a deputy; evading police with disregard for safety.
• Misdemeanor suspicion: reckless driving; resisting an officer; driving under the influence; driving without a license.

Bail and next court date

Authorities reported bail was set at more than $106,000. An arraignment was scheduled for Thursday, January 22, in Vista Superior Court.

What is confirmed and what remains unresolved

Investigators have publicly outlined a sequence that includes observed driving behavior, a brief pursuit, a foot chase, and a struggle during which deputies say the suspect attempted to gain control of a deputy’s firearm. Publicly available information does not specify whether chemical testing was completed, the suspect’s blood alcohol concentration, or whether additional evidence—such as body-worn camera footage—will be released. The case is expected to proceed through the San Diego County court system, where charges and allegations will be evaluated as part of the judicial process.

If you or someone you know is facing DUI allegations, California law provides rights to counsel and to contest charges in court.