A 26-year-old man has been remanded in custody after allegedly grabbing a police officer’s firearm during a violent struggle and attempting to shoot several officers in Almeria.

The dramatic incident unfolded in the La Chanca neighbourhood during the early hours of Sunday morning as Policia Nacional officers attempted to arrest the suspect over a previous knife attack.

According to reports, the man was already wanted by the courts in connection with an alleged stabbing carried out days earlier.

Given his criminal record and concerns that he was known to carry weapons, multiple police units were deployed to assist with the operation.

What followed quickly descended into chaos.

Police say the suspect became violently aggressive as officers moved in to arrest him, allegedly pushing one officer down a flight of stairs before attacking him as he lay on the ground.

During the struggle, the suspect allegedly managed to seize the officer’s service pistol.

He then pointed the weapon at several officers and repeatedly attempted to fire.

Only a safety mechanism on the gun prevented shots from being discharged, averting a fatal outcome.

The terrifying confrontation ended when officers managed to overpower and disarm the suspect before taking him into custody.

He spent the night in police cells at Almeria police station before being brought before a judge.

The court has now ordered his provisional imprisonment while the investigation continues.

He is being investigated on suspicion of attempted homicide and assaulting law enforcement officers.

The case has sparked concern among police representatives, with officers highlighting the extreme danger faced by those involved in the arrest.

Had the weapon discharged, the incident could have resulted in multiple fatalities.

The investigation continues.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.