Santa Maria manhunt for alleged probation violator
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies and Santa Maria police are searching for a wanted man following a foot pursuit and search Tuesday afternoon.
Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Kelly Hoover says it began with a Special Enforcement Team doing a firearms check at a residence in the area of Westgate and Betteravia Roads just after 4:00 pm.
The Sheriff’s Department released a photo of a shotgun and other firearms they say they found at the residence that are linked to Prendergast who is not allowed to have guns as part of the terms of his probation.
Prendergast was seen running from the area when the guns were discovered prompting the massive search on the ground and in the air by the Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Maria Police Department.
Prendergast was last seen wearing a black “hoodie” sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information on his location is urged not to approach him but to call the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at 805-683-2724 or leave an anonymous tip at 805-681-4171.
