Late on Thursday night, the Santa Maria Police Department used an aerial drone to locate a man with outstanding felonies, after he reportedly struck a patrol vehicle during an initial attempt by officers to apprehend him.

The department reported on Friday morning that on Dec. 4, at approximately 11:40 p.m., SMPD officers attempted to contact a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of West Boone Street.

As officers approached the silver BMW, the driver fled, striking a marked SMPD patrol unit and causing minor damage.

Officers identified the driver and confirmed the vehicle’s license plate had been reported stolen. The vehicle was located a short distance away, abandoned and still running.

A perimeter was established in the 700 block of South Depot Street, and a drone was deployed to sear

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