Baldwin man arrested after high-speed chase down 39th Avenue in Gainesville

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Donald Eugene Whaley, 45, was arrested yesterday afternoon following a high-speed chase down 39th Avenue in Gainesville.

Yesterday at about 2:15 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers were alerted that Marion County Sheriff’s Office was pursuing a Ford F-250 truck that was stolen in Jacksonville on June 8. An FHP Trooper on I-75 caught up to the vehicle around the 380 mile marker in Alachua County. The trooper reported that the truck was traveling between 90 mph and 100 mph on I-75, using all three lanes and passing on the shoulders. Four FHP cars pursued the truck, which left the interstate at exit 390 onto NW 39th Avenue eastbound. The truck reportedly traveled at speeds between 85 and 90 mph in a 45 mph zone on 39th Avenue.

A trooper performed a P.I.T. maneuver at NW 24th Boulevard, disabling the truck. Whaley, the driver, was taken into custody and was taken to the North Florida Regional Medical Center Emergency Room at Hunters Crossing to be cleared medically before being booked into the jail. Whaley had an active warrant out of Duval County.

Post Miranda, Whaley reportedly said that he stole the vehicle about a week ago and that he fled because he has warrants and the vehicle was stolen.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.