Driver arrested after high-speed chase in Atwater

A 42-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly led Atwater police on a high-speed chase and had to be subdued with a Taser, police said.

Joseph Henry Quirarte allegedly ran through a stop sign on Elm Avenue and Winton Way late Monday night. An officer attempted to pull over the 1992 white Honda Accord that Quirarte was driving, but police said the man sped away, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph.

The Accord turned west onto Crawford Street before Quirarte lost control at the intersection with Cypress Street, where his vehicle came to a stop, according to a police statement.

Police said Quirarte became combative with the officers, who used a Taser to subdue him. Quirarte was then taken into custody without further incident, police said. During a search of his vehicle, police found bags of methamphetamine.

Because of the use of a Taser, Quirarte was taken to Mercy Medical Center for clearance before being booked into the Merced County Jail, police said. Quirarte is suspected of several criminal charges, including felony evading, possession of methamphetamine, transportation of controlled substance, possession of controlled substance for sale, parole violation, driving without a license and a variety of vehicle infractions.

There was no information immediately available regarding bond or Quirarte’s hometown.

This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 5:42 PM with the headline "Driver arrested after high-speed chase in Atwater."