Driver arrested after leading Santa Maria police on chase

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria police arrested a man accused of leading officers on a chase and then attempting a car jacking.

He was originally wanted for driving under the influence Monday afternoon in Santa Maria.

The chase started when police responded to several phone calls around 11:30 a.m. about a man driving erratically.

Police say he called the police station several times saying he needs help because a "probation officer was after" him.

A short vehicle pursuit happened around 12:30 p.m.

Officers found the car on Betteravia Road and Blosser Road and they attempted a traffic stop, but lost him.

"Near Santa Maria High School, he almost ran into children," said Police Sergeant Daniel Rios. Because of the continued dangerous driving and his use of drugs, officers pursued him again.

Around 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect's vehicle crashed into a Smooth bus near Union Valley Parkway and Orcutt Road just outside of Santa Maria.

Then, police say the man attempted to car jack a woman's vehicle, ripping off her door handle in the process. The woman was not hurt.

"K9 Officer Andres Lopez and K9 Partner Rowdi arrived on scene and witnessed this, and actually he was able to release his dog from a safe distance and begin the apprehension process," said Sergeant Rios.

Police took the man into custody. He is facing several charges including evading, hit-and-run, DUI and resisting.

Police say there are at least two minor injuries as a result these incidents.

We will have updates as more information becomes available.