Man arrested after allegedly trying to take gun from police officer in downtown Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges following an altercation with police outside a bar in downtown Austin early Saturday morning.

Officers responded to the call to Chupacabra Cantina (400 East 6th Street) around 1:25 a.m. regarding an intoxicated individual who refused to leave the establishment.

According to the affidavit, Marcos Luna-Palacios attempted to hit a bouncer before officers arrived, but he was “so drunk that it was a slow, clumsy punch that he was easily able to dodge.”

He was initially arrested for public intoxication. The situation escalated when officers attempted to escort Luna-Palacios to a police vehicle.

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The suspect allegedly resisted arrest, broke free of handcuffs, and grabbed an officer's firearm. He was unable to remove the weapon from its holster, but his actions led to additional charges.

Luna-Palacios is charged with public intoxication (a Class C misdemeanor), resisting public order (a Class A misdemeanor), and attempting to take a weapon from a peace officer (a Class A felony).

Austin police stated that the use of force was necessary to subdue the suspect and ensure public safety. Luna-Palacios was successfully transported to jail following the incident.