PRESS RELEASE
The Office of State Attorney Larry Basford announces that on March 23, 2021, a Bay County Jury found Jarquez Jerome Whitley guilty as charged for the crimes of Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Whitley was wanted out of Panama City for an alleged shooting incident and had warrants for his arrest. Officers with the Lynn Haven Police Department attempted to stop a car Whitley was driving for speeding. Whitley then took off at a high rate of speed, narrowly dodging heavy traffic and almost causing collisions with other vehicles. The pursuit was captured on the dash camera of the pursuing officer. After wrecking his vehicle, Whitley fled on foot through a park and wood line to his known residence. Police were able to apprehend Whitley and a firearm that was discarded in Whitley’s path of travel.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Peter Overstreet and Jacob Cook. Whitley is a six-time convicted felon and faces up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 13, 2021, before the Honorable Christopher Patterson.
For additional information, contact State Attorney Larry Basford.