MIDDLESEX TWP — Police say they had to forcibly arrest an Allegheny County man following what started out as a minor traffic stop Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect, Joseph A. Hayden, 25, of McKees Rocks, was initially spotted not wearing proper eye protection while driving a motorcycle when police tried to pull him over about 1:10 p.m. on Route 8 near McFann Road in Middlesex Township,

But he sped away after Middlesex Township Patrolman Bryan Costanzo activated his emergency lights and siren, according to court documents.

Costanzo caught up to Hayden at a red light at Route 8 and Vogel Road in neighboring Butler Township. The officer soon learned that the cyclist was wanted on a warrant.

But told that he was going to prison for the warrant, Hayden allegedly resisted Costanzo’s attempts to place him in handcuffs.

The officer, who was aided by Butler Township police, eventually took Hayden to the ground and cuffed him.

A search of a bag he had turned up suspected drug contraband and brass knuckles, police said.

Hayden was arraigned on charges of resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited offensive weapon and drug paraphernalia, not wearing proper safety equipment on a motorcycle, driving at an unsafe speed and driving without a proper license.

He was placed in the Butler County Prison on $25,000 bail following arraignment.