Police search for pursuit suspect

Police in Santa Maria are searching for a man they say stole a car and led officers on a chase today.

It happened just after noon near West Mill in Santa Maria.

As a precaution the local schools were placed on lockdown.

Officers say the suspect was driving recklessly during the brief chase.

Officers decided to call it off to keep the public safe.

The vehicle was later located abandoned in the area of Atlantic and Railroad.

Anyone with information as to the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at 928-3781.