The National Police Air Service (NPAS) assisted in the search for a suspect in the Tilgate area.
Sussex Police confirmed the incident followed a 'short pursuit' of a 'vehicle of interest' shortly before 12pm.
The driver left the car during the chase and a police helicopter was called to assist a search, police confirmed.
In an update at 5.30pm, police said the vehicle had been found but could not confirm if any arrests had been made.