Evansville, IN— A 37-year-old Evansville man was arrested on Saturday night after he allegedly stole a vehicle from a parking lot and led police on a brief search that ended in the woods near Old Henderson Road.
According to the Evansville Police Department (EPD), officers responded to a call at the old Diamond Lanes building shortly after 8:00 PM on Saturday, where they met with the victim. The victim reported that they had accidentally dropped their car keys in the parking lot, only to receive a call shortly afterward from a witness who spotted the stolen vehicle traveling down Heidelbach Avenue.
EPD officers quickly reviewed security footage from the area, which provided them with a clear lead. The footage showed the vehicle traveling towards Old Henderson Road, prompting authorities to begin searching the surrounding area.
With the assistance of K9 units and drones, officers were able to locate the suspect, later identified as James Whitledge, hiding in a wooded area nearby. Whitledge was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he was booked on charges of auto theft. Authorities confirmed that the stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Whitledge’s arrest highlights the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement, utilizing modern technology and resources to track down suspects quickly. The Evansville Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
As the investigation continues, EPD reminds the public to remain vigilant with their belongings, particularly in parking lots, where thefts like these can occur.
