High-Speed Chase Suspect ID'ed

Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 8:50 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

The suspect is facing charges in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Quinten Whittaker. Photo provided.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - It took some time because he was not being cooperative, but authorities have finally identified the man who led a thrill-a-minute police chase through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

The August 30 chase started when a Cadillac Escalade was stolen at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron.

The chase reached speeds over 120 MPH as officers chased the stolen luxury SUV on Interstate 275 from Kentucky into Indiana, then Ohio. The fleeing vehicle eventually headed west on Interstate 74 back into Indiana.

The wild pursuit finally came to an end when the suspect crashed into the rear of a semi trailer in the construction zone on I-74 near Sunman.

Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens announced Wednesday that the driver has been identified as Quinten L. Whittaker.

“The alleged conduct of Quinten Whittaker presented a serious risk to the safety of Dearborn County residents and individuals driving on I-275 and I-74. Through the diligent pursuit of agencies from Dearborn County, Kentucky, and Ohio, this pursuit was ended without individuals from the community being harmed,” said Deddens.

In Indiana, Whittaker is charged with two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement (level 6 felony) and single counts of Auto Theft (level 6 felony), Counterfeiting (level 6 felony), Counterfeit Government Issued Identification (class A misdemeanor) and False Informing (class A misdemeanor).

He’s also facing charges in Ohio and Kentucky.

Following the crash which ended the chase, Whittaker was treated at Highpoint Health at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was then released to the custody of Cincinnati Police.

Whittaker is currently being held in Boone County.