Visalia police used spike strips to help end a vehicle pursuit in the city early Thursday morning, resulting in the arrest of the fleeing suspect on drug and weapons charges.

The incident began at 1:30 a.m. when officers attempted a traffic stop of a Chevy Tahoe in the area of Beech Ave. and Terrace St., according to a news release from the Visalia Police Department.

The vehicle was believed to be connected to a previous armed robbery investigation, the release said.

Hour Long Chase Covered 37 Miles

The driver refused to stop. As he fled, officers successfully deployed spike strips, which kept pursuit speeds low for most of the incident, officials said. Still, the chase lasted about an hour and covered 37 miles in the southwest area of Visalia, the department said.

It ended at Demaree St. and Laurel Ave. when the Tahoe became disabled as a result of 2 left side flat tires and also caught fire.

Police Recovered Gun, Ammo and Drugs

Officers arrested Seth Underwood, 37, and recovered an unregistered firearm, ammunition, and substances that tested positive for cocaine and methamphetamine, authorities said.

Underwood was booked at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on charges related to a felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, controlled substance for sales, an unregistered firearm, and pursuit.

No collisions, damage, or injuries resulted from the incident, police said.