Convicted felon in custody following scuffle with Oceanside police officer

OCEANSIDE (CNS) – A convicted felon was back in custody Friday, accused of dropping a loaded handgun on the ground while struggling with an Oceanside police officer for his service weapon, police said.

Ronnie Corral of Arizona was arrested in the parking lot outside Rookies Sports Bar at 2216 El Camino Real around 10:15 p.m. Thursday, according to Oceanside police Lt. Leonard Cosby.

Two uniformed police officers approached Corral, 37, and another man after they were spotted drinking alcohol in the parking lot, Cosby said in a statement.

One of the officers told Corral he was going to be searched for possible weapons. Corral tried to run and was grabbed by the other officer, Cosby said. A struggle allegedly ensued, during which Corral allegedly grabbed the officer’s holstered gun before both of them fell to the ground, where Corral was eventually handcuffed.

Following the struggle, the officers found a loaded .32 caliber handgun on the ground and learned that Corral was a convicted felon out of Arizona, Cosby said. Jail records showed Corral was booked into the Vista jail on suspicion of weapon and resisting offenses.

Bail was set at $25,000.