A 23-year-old Tracy man was arrested on drug and other charges on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 24 after he led an officer on a short chase after being observed driving recklessly.

At 4:33 p.m. Officer Eric Souza saw a Toyota Celica being driven recklessly westbound on Whitmore Avenue near Second Street. As the Celica approached Whitmore Avenue and Blaker Road, it crossed over the double yellow line, passing two vehicles in the left turn lane, on the left, and made an abrupt turn onto southbound Blaker Road.

Officer Souza activated his emergency lights in an attempt to pull the Celica over. The driver, Michael Picazo, 23, of Tracy, continued southbound on Blaker Road before making a westbound turn onto Hackett Road to accelerate again. 

Officer Souza activated the siren on his patrol car. Picazo slowed to approximately 25 mph but refused to pull over. Picazo continued on Hackett Road and made a northbound turn onto Jeffnell Place, stopping at Thomasnell Way. 

Picazo was arrested and found in possession of a small amount of cocaine. Two passengers were release. 

Picazo faces charges of flight from a police officer and possession of cocaine.