An afternoon run from the law in Elyria started in a hotel parking lot and ended with a crunch of metal at a busy intersection, as police arrested a 25-year-old Amherst man they say was already wanted on serious charges.
Officers say the driver, identified as Denavin Whitman, took off when they tried to make contact with him on Wednesday and nearly hit an officer in the process. The pursuit ended at Murray Ridge Road and Lowell Street when Whitman’s vehicle collided with another car. He was taken to University Hospitals for treatment, and authorities say no officers or other motorists were injured. Police also report Whitman had outstanding felony warrants for burglary and domestic violence.
In a Facebook post, the Elyria Police Department said officers first approached Whitman in the Sycamore Suites parking lot at 621 Midway Boulevard. According to the post, he drove off in a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, which set the short chase in motion.
How Police Say The Chase Played Out
According to WOIO, the pursuit began around 3:15 p.m. after Whitman pulled away from officers and almost struck one of them. He was reportedly driving recklessly through city streets before the chase came to a stop at Murray Ridge Road and Lowell Street, where police say he failed to stop and hit another vehicle. Officers arrested him at the scene.
Warrants, License Status And Hospital Stop
The Elyria Police Department’s Facebook post states that Whitman, 25, had outstanding felony warrants for burglary and domestic violence. The post also notes that his driver’s license had previously been suspended after a failure to comply and fleeing from police. Officers say he was transported to University Hospitals for treatment following the crash, and report that no officers or other motorists were hurt.
Crash Investigation Still Ongoing
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation, according to WOIO. Authorities have not yet released details about any new charges beyond the outstanding warrants as the investigation continues.
