A Delhi man is facing multiple criminal charges after leading Merced County Sheriff’s deputies on a short high speed pursuit.

Just before midnight Friday at Schendel Avenue and Shanks Road, Deputy Brandon Thomas attempted to make a routine vehicle stop of a motorcycle driven by Mario Armendariz, said sheriff spokesman deputy Tom MacKenzie.

Instead of stopping, Armendariz took off and a 30-second pursuit was initiated. The pursuit quickly ended about a half mile away at Shanks Road and August Avenue when Armendariz’s motorcycle blew its engine.

After a brief struggle, Armendariz was taken into custody by several deputies and was found in possession of a quarter ounce of methamphetamine. Armendariz was booked on charges of evading a police officer, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, resisting arrest and possession for sale of methamphetamine. He has already posted the $24,000 bail, MacKenzie said.