Attempts to Disarm Man Turn Violent

A 51-year-old man who allegedly wielded a pistol outside a Laguna Niguel bar suffered serious head injuries when a bouncer tried to disarm him, authorities said Monday.

James Leslie Martin of Costa Mesa was hit at least twice with a pool cue early Sunday evening as he wrestled with a customer in the parking lot of Patsy’s Irish Pub, Orange County sheriff’s officials said.

Martin was in extremely critical condition Monday at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, officials said.

Bar patrons told sheriff’s detectives that Martin walked into the pub late Sunday afternoon and was refused service because he appeared to be drunk, said sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.

As Martin left, a customer outside suggested he not drive home and offered to pay for a cab. When Martin ignored the woman, she grabbed his car keys and ran into the bar, officials said.

About 20 minutes later, the woman walked outside again and was confronted by Martin, who drew a .357 magnum revolver, Amormino said. The woman’s boyfriend ran to help and wrestled Martin for the gun, Amormino said.

A bouncer also joined the fray, armed with a pool cue. He shouted at Martin to drop the weapon. Martin kept struggling, and the bouncer struck Martin on the neck and then the head--the second strike caused him to drop the gun. He was unconscious when deputies arrived, Amormino said.

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating whether the bouncer’s actions were justified. Martin will not be cited, authorities said.