A man was arrested Monday after evading arrest in the desert for 107 days, according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.  

On Nov. 28, 2020, David Whitaker, 42, of Missile Base was reported to the office for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl. The victim later told detectives the abuse had been ongoing, police said. 

When deputies were on their way to Whitaker’s home, he left the residence and walked into the desert armed with a handgun. Police said Whitaker was a known “survivalist” and had a high likelihood of “success living off the grid” without detection, so over the next several weeks, PCSO continued to comb the desert and conduct surveillance operations in areas Whitaker might be hiding.

In March 2021, an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper in the area was given information about Whitaker’s possible location. Whitaker was observed through binoculars, and DPS established a perimeter with the assistance of Border Patrol in a fixed-wing plane overhead, police said.

Whitaker was arrested Monday, 107 days after he fled. He was found living in a shack he had constructed complete with a bed and a roof.

Whitaker survived by catching fish out of a nearby canal and hunting javelina and rabbit, police said. 

Whitaker was booked into Pinal County Jail on suspicion of attempted sexual conduct with a minor, three counts of sexual conduct with a minor, indecent exposure and sexual abuse. 

“Law enforcement truly is a team effort,” said PCSO Sheriff Mark Lamb. “We are hopeful his arrest brings the victim and the victim’s family some peace of mind.”

Reach the reporter Jamie Landers at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @jamielandersx

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