Santa Maria man arrested, accused of attempting to kill officer

A Santa Maria man was arrested Saturday in Santa Maria after police say he fought with officers and attempted to grab an officer’s gun.

Santa Maria Police Department said Christopher Cota, 30, appeared to be under the influence of narcotics when they found him near East Fesler Street and North Bradley Road Saturday afternoon.

An officer said Cota attempted to grab the officer’s gun but the officer was able to keep it in the holster.

Backup officers arrived, and Cota was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

Cota and some of the responding officers were treated for minor injuries at Marian Medical Center.

Cota was booked into jail and could face charges for attempted murder of a police officer.