In an incident unfolding with the tension of a Hollywood chase, authorities in Sonoma County engaged in a high-speed pursuit that culminated in the arrest of a 50-year-old Rohnert Park man, identified by officials as Jason Whitmire, after he allegedly evaded an arrest attempt and led detectives on a dangerous chase on Monday. Whitmire, wanted on three outstanding warrants, reportedly maneuvered his vehicle in a way that nearly hit two detectives and refused to heed his passengers' pleas to stop, resulting in a dramatic crash and a subsequent foot pursuit.
The episode began around 7:10 PM when the Sonoma Sheriff's Narcotics Unit, to take Whitmire into custody in the 8200 block of Camino Colegio, found themselves suddenly in a vehicular pursuit as Whitmire hit high speeds of 90 mph, according to a social media post from the Sonoma Sheriff. The narrative unfolded as Whitmire's flight ended near Roberts Road and Petaluma Hill Road, where the crash occurred. Whitmire then took off on foot, intent on escaping the clutches of the law.
The pursuit didn't end with the crash, as Whitmire decided to continue his escape on foot, leading detectives on a chase. It was only with the intervention of K9 Duke that the authorities managed to apprehend Whitmire, who resisted detention according to the Sheriff's account. A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up a loaded firearm.
Post-apprehension procedures quickly followed with Whitmire being treated for injuries sustained at a local hospital and then booked into Sonoma County Jail, he remains in custody having his bail set at an exorbitant $131,000; he faces an array of charges that include assault with a deadly weapon against an officer, vehicle pursuit, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a loaded/non-serialized firearm, kidnapping, and resisting arrest adding to the litany of his original warrants.
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