MOTOR VEHICLE PURSUIT RESULTS IN K-9 BITE & ARREST
On December 21, 2019, at approximately 8:00 AM, Deputy Bobby Greer was parked in the lot of the Shell Gas Station located at 10505 North US Highway 12. He observed a passenger vehicle drive into the parking lot and immediately recognized the vehicle as possibly matching the description of a stolen vehicle. Once the vehicle stopped, Deputy Greer was able to obtain the license plate. He performed an inquiry through a database which confirmed the vehicle had indeed previously been reported as being stolen.
Deputy Greer drove behind the vehicle and activated his emergency lights. The driver proceeded to exit the lot of the business and begin to travel west on US 12. The fleeing vehicle turned onto State Road 212 and begin to travel south. At the SR 212 and US 20 interchange, the vehicle exited and began traveling west on Michigan Boulevard towards Michigan City. The vehicle pursuit traveled on Dickson Street, Elk Street and Woodland Avenue. At the intersection of Woodland and Coolspring Avenues, the fleeing vehicle turned into the parking lot of FedEx (945 South Woodland Avenue). Deputy Greer located the vehicle parked on the north side of the property. A short time later, the vehicle exited the property and began to travel south on Woodland Avenue. The vehicle continued south on Woodland Avenue before eventually turning into the Normandy Village Apartment Complex. While there, the vehicle eventually stopped, the driver exited and began to flee on foot.
Deputy Greer and his K-9 partner Argo began to chase after the driver. A short time later, Deputy Greer took the subject to the ground. Deputy Scott Lanoue arrived and began to assist. As they attempted to take the subject into custody, he continued to resist them. During this time, the subject kicked in the direction of Argo and Deputy Greer. Argo proceeded to engage the subject and bite him in the lower body area. Once Argo was removed, the subject was taken into custody.The subject was identified as David T. WHITNEY (34 YOA) of Clermont, Florida. La Porte County EMS were summoned to the scene to treat WHITNEY. EMS personnel arrived and transported WHITNEY to Franciscan Heath of Michigan City.
WHITNEY was released from the hospital and transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ). WHITNEY is charged with Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Stolen Property (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe (Level 6 Felony), Resisting Law Enforcement (A-Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana (B-Misdemeanor) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C-Misdemeanor). It was also determined that WHITNEY was a wanted person by the LCSO for battery to a police officer. WHITNEY remains housed in the LCJ and is being held without bond.
The LCSO was assisted by the Michigan City and Trail Creek Police Departments.
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
