TEHACHAPI, Calif. -  

Tehachapi deputies arrested a suspect for grand theft auto early Wednesday morning.

On Jan. 9, at about 1 a.m., deputies from the Tehachapi Substation went to assist the California Highway Patrol with a stolen vehicle investigation.

The victim told officials her car was just stolen from the Golden Hills area and was following it towards Highway 58. The suspect apparently noticed the victim following him and then popped a tire trying to lose the victim.

According to officials, the suspect exited Highway 58 at Broome Road, abandoned the vehicle, and fled on foot.

Officials said they went to HWY 58 and searched the area for two hours, but could not find the suspect.

At about 6 a.m., a resident on Halewood called officers regarding a suspicious man that had knocked on her door and “demanded” to use her phone. She closed her door and notified officers. The subject then fled the area.

Deputies went to the area regarding the suspicious man and set up a search perimeter. As they began searching, an off-duty fireman said he saw the subject on Highway 58.

Units responded to the call and found the suspect, Michael Snyder, 32.

Snyder was taken into custody without incident.

He was taken to Mojave jail where he was booked for Grand Theft Auto.