Santa Maria Police search for wanted felon

Santa Maria Police responded to a report of a disturbance on the 1300 block of Yard Place on Wednesday. A homeowner tells police that there was an armed man at his door, attempting to enter. The suspect is being identified as 28-year old Ricardo Cruz, a known gang member, and wanted felon. Cruz is said to be armed and dangerous. He is on federal probation, and police were already looking for him for violating his parole.

Once officers arrived, Cruz had fled. At one point gang investigators spotted him heading toward Adam Elementary School. That’s when authorities contacted the police advising a lockdown. However, it appears as though the students had already gone home or the day.

Police setup a perimeter between Thornburg Street and Lincoln. The search was extensive, with 9 K-9 officers from Pismo beach, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s, CHP and Santa Maria police. The search continues for Cruz. If you have any information

NewsChannel 3 Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports.

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