Sheriff's deputies pulled over a Honda Element for a felony stop on Malibu Canyon Road about a mile north of Pacific Coast Highway.
The passengers in the car got out of the vehicle as requested. The driver refused. Deputies reportedly asked for a Taser. The driver then accelerated and the vehicle went over the side of the cliff. The driver then exited the vehicle and walked away.
Deputies were not certain if the suspect was armed. An air-rescue helicopter and fire department personnel were summoned to the scene while deputies monitored the suspect. Search-and-rescue personnel were also called to the scene.
The suspect's wife reportedly told authorities the suspect is unarmed, and that he is on probation but has no driver's license.
Deputies stopped the vehicle because it is reportedly stolen.
The suspect was described as an African-American male in his 40s with a shaved head and a medium build, wearing a blue shirt.
Northbound Malibu Canyon Rd. was closed from PCH to Piuma Rd. while the search continued.
