SALINAS >> A Soledad man was arrested early Saturday morning after leading Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit both in the car and on foot in the Bolsa Knolls area.

At about 12:51 a.m., deputies reportedly saw a dirt bike traveling at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly near Van Buren Avenue and Filmore Street.

Deputies said when they attempted a traffic stop near Van Buren Avenue and San Juan Grade Road, the rider failed to yield, turning it into a chase lasting about a quarter mile.

The chase ended when the dirt bike stalled near the intersection of San Juan Grade Road and Newlyn Street. The rider, identified as 30-year-old Benny Joe Rodriguez from Soledad, fled on foot but was apprehended after deputies deployed a taser.

Deputies reported they found a loaded, unregistered handgun with a high-capacity magazine tucked in Rodriguez’s waistband. They said he was also in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, and stolen property. Further investigation revealed the dirt bike had been reported stolen, and Rodriguez had two outstanding warrants, one felony and one misdemeanor.

Rodriguez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges, including possession of a loaded unregistered firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, felony reckless evading, possession of a stolen vehicle and drug possession.

No injuries were reported during the incident.