SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a wanted gang member they consider armed and dangerous.
Guns drawn, helicopter in air, K9 ready, all searching for wanted gang member, 28-year-old Ricardo Cruz, after police say Cruz was involved in a domestic dispute.
"A subject had shown up at the victims residence he displayed a handgun at one point during the disturbance," said Sergeant Terry Flaa, Santa Maria Police Department.
After detectives spotted Cruz in the area of Lincoln and Newlove, they blocked off the streets and escorted neighbors out of their homes.
"Ultimately we set up a perimeter around the area of Sheila and Newlove and began a thorough search of the area culminating in a certain residence where he was once associated," explained Flaa.
Nearly three hours later, police say they were not able to find Cruz and warn the public to be on the look out.
"He is approximately 28 years old. He was last seen wearing a black short sleeve shirt, dark colored pants, his head is shaved, he has tattoos all throughout his scalp," said Flaa.
The fear of not knowing where Cruz is, has neighbors worried.
"knowing that this guy is still probably out here I would pretty much just lock all my doors and windows," said Jared Mcfadden, a nearby resident.
Police say Ricardo Cruz is also wanted for violating his parole for a separate crime.
