Eugene, Ore. – A vehicle theft suspect is in custody after barricading himself in a stranger’s home in the Pleasant Hill area this morning.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to the area of Edenvale Rd. and Filbert Ln. at approximately 8:30am. A citizen reported that their vehicle had been stolen from a location in Eugene and loaded onto a flatbed trailer. The citizen followed the vehicle until it became stuck in the mud at an address off of Edenvale Rd.
Responding units arrived at which time the suspect fled on foot and barricaded himself in a nearby house. Deputies and troopers quickly established a perimeter and began loud-hailing the suspect. The Eugene Police Explosives Disposal Unit also responded and were able to safely approach the residence with the use of a remotely controlled robot. The suspect was located, by the robot, hiding near a couch inside the residence. He eventually surrendered and exited the residence. He was taken into custody without incident.
A rifle was also located inside the suspect vehicle.
The suspect was identified as 45 year old Joey Lee Whittaker of Springfield. Whittaker is currently in the Lane County Jail.
Here are Whittaker’s charges:
| DESCRIPTION | CLASSIFICATION | ORS | ARRESTING AGENCY | CASE NUMBER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BURGLARY 1ST DEG | F | 164.225 | OR0200000 OR LANE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE | PC |
| FELON IN POSSESSION OF WEAPON | F | 166.270 | OR0200000 OR LANE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE | PC |
| POSSESS STOLEN VEHICLE | F | 819.300 | OR0200000 OR LANE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE | PC |
| POSSESS STOLEN VEHICLE | F | 819.300 | OR0200000 OR LANE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE | PC |
(News Release from Lane Co. Sheriff’s Office
Posted on FlashAlert: January 17th, 2022 3:19 PM)
