Police detain man linked to Santa Maria bank robbery

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Police detained a man who allegedly robbed a Santa Maria bank Tuesday afternoon.

It happened just before 4 p.m. at the Community Bank of Santa Maria on South Broadway.

Police say a man entered the bank and demanded money. Witnesses said that the man was armed.

The man fled the bank but was chased by a citizen, police said. The citizen lost sight of the suspect, but was able to give police a general location.

A heavy police response arrived at the scene and conducted a search for the robber. Multiple police cars, armored vehicles and a helicopter searched the area.

A person matching the suspect description was located and police say witnesses of the crime confirmed his identity.

At around 5:15 p.m., the man was taken into custody by police. Police are still investigating and looking at items associated with the robbery.