FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — An hours-long search continues for a burglary suspect who led deputies in pursuit of Fresno’s River Park and barricaded himself in a Save Mart grocery store.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said authorities have yet to locate the man who has been hiding in the store at First Street and Nees Avenue since Thursday evening. The standoff began after a brief chase that began when Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to arrest the suspect at the River Park Mall near Nees and Blackstone Avenue.

The police chief said Fresno SWAT officers entered the store with their K9s to search the building, but they had yet to find it.

RELATED: Classes canceled at Kastner Middle School in Fresno amid police standoff

He said items had been moved around the store. Officers also found footprints and clothing.

Balderrama said they believe he may have gained access to the roof.

The chief said that’s why he doesn’t want to clean up the mall, just in case the suspect has been to nearby businesses.

“It’s an inconvenience to our community, and I apologize, but the first concern is public safety,” he said.

Authorities said the unidentified suspect was wanted in connection with a burglary in Caruthers.

An off-duty Fresno County sheriff’s deputy spotted him and two other people outside Macy’s.

The deputy called for reinforcements. When the suspects saw the deputies approaching, two of them ran towards the Macy’s store.

Deputies chased the suspect down Nees Avenue towards First Street, where the man crashed. He then got out of the car and ran into the Save Mart grocery store.

The store was quickly evacuated. Officials said the suspect was the only person left inside.

VIDEO: Drone footage shows officers surrounding Fresno Save Mart

Law enforcement says they hope this can lead to a peaceful resolution.

Several agencies surrounded the store Friday morning.

Clovis Unified officials said classes were canceled at Kastner Middle School, located down the street from the grocery store.