VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man speeding away from officers and causing a pursuit was arrested early Saturday morning, Visalia police said.

Investigators report that just before 2 a.m., officers were notified about a large group of people gathered near Dinuba Boulevard and Riggin Avenue.

As they were pulling up to the group, officers say a gray Chevy Silverado sped away from the area and began driving recklessly through city streets.

The vehicle refused to stop, and its driver led officers on a two-and-a-half-mile pursuit that ended near Pratt Avenue and Demaree Street.

Visalia Police said 23-year-old Raul Pacheco from Corcoran was behind the wheel and was taken into custody.  His passengers were also from Corcoran.

A gun was recovered back where the pursuit began, and several spent shell casings were found in the bed of the pickup where the pursuit ended.

Pacheco was booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on suspicion of multiple charges, including felony evading, driving under the influence, possession of a loaded firearm while under the influence, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.