LAKE ELSINORE ---- A 48-year-old man is facing serious charges after assaulting a Lake Elsinore police officer, police officials said Wednesday.

An officer approached Luis Ortiz Zavala, 48, about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, near the overflow channel on Lehr Drive, Sgt. Patrick Chavez said. The officer saw the man had a knife, but took it from Zavala, who ran, Chavez said.

The officer tackled Zavala, and they struggled violently as they rolled down an embankment into knee-deep water, Chavez said. The officer became pinned against a tree, and Zavala jumped on his back and tried to grab his gun, Chavez said.

The officer got away from Zavala, who swam across the channel, but was met by other officers on the shore, the sergeant said.

The combative man struggled further, but was eventually apprehended. The first officer and Zavala were treated at a hospital Tuesday, Chavez said.

Zavala is being held at the Southwest Detention Center without bail, jail records show.

Chavez said Zavala was wanted on two warrants and could face attempted murder charges.

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Zavala has a no bail immigration hold