The Turlock Police Department arrested an 18-year-old on a weapon offense after he was allegedly in possession of a stolen handgun.

The suspect, identified as Adrian Peralta, first came to the attention of a police officer when he was seen ducking down behind a car as the patrol car drove past, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

The officer was driving in the area of S. Orange and Angelus streets around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday when he spotted Peralta. According to the police report, Peralta saw that the officer was stopping and took off running.

Throughout the foot pursuit the officer could see Peralta reaching into his waistband, Lewis said. The officer continued to order Peralta to stop and at some point he decided to obey.

The officer ordered Peralta to the ground and during the search found a 9mm handgun that Peralta had concealed on his person, Lewis said. The handgun was loaded.

Peralta was also found in possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.

A check on the gun later revealed it had been reported stolen out of Atwater.

Peralta is being held at the Stanislaus County Jail in lieu of a $35,000 bail. He is facing charges of possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a documented member of a criminal street gang.