Visalia police officers tried to pull over 20-year-old Amari Johnson around 4:30 p.m. near Harvard Avenue and South Central.
That's when investigators say Johnson pulled into a parking lot, jumped out of the car, and ran away, leaving his son behind.
Police say Johnson then jumped through an open apartment window.
During a search of that apartment, authorities found a ghost AR-15 pistol and magazines.
Johnson is facing multiple charges including firearm offenses, child endangerment, and drug possession.