A driver led law enforcement officers on a pursuit from Santa Maria toward Nipomo and back to Santa Maria on Friday afternoon before he was taken into custody at gunpoint and caused traffic delays.

At approximately 1:50 p.m., California Highway Patrol officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop on a silver sedan traveling northbound on Highway 101 just north of Donovan Road, according to CHP Officer Maria Barriga. 

The vehicle was observed traveling at a fast speed while weaving in and out of traffic, she added. 

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to yield, initiating a pursuit that led into the Nipomo area before returning to Santa Maria. 

During the pursuit, officers successfully deployed a spike strip, Barriga added. 

The driver exited at Highway 166, where the driver proceeded the wrong way onto northbound Highway 101. 

“The pursuit concluded safely when the driver surrendered at the top of the offramp,” Barriga said.

The driver, whose name, age and hometown weren’t released, was taken into custody without further incident, Barriga added.

“We recognize this incident caused significant traffic delays along US-101 and surrounding roadways, and we appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this rapidly evolving situation,” Commander Joe Rodriguez said.

The incident on Highway 101 was one of two causing traffic delays in the North County on Friday, with the other occurring in the morning on Highway 1 near the Vandenberg Space Force Base main gate.