On November 28th, 2020, 42-year-old David Whitaker of Missile Base was reported to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old female victim.
The victim later told Detectives the abuse had been ongoing.
While Deputies were en-route to the Whitaker’s home, he left the residence and walked into the desert armed with a handgun.
Immediately, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) personnel began searching for Whitaker with the help of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Over the next several weeks, PCSO continued to comb the desert and conduct surveillance operations in areas Whitaker might be hiding.
Whitaker was a known “survivalist” and had a high likelihood of success living “off the grid” without detection.
In March of 2021, a DPS detective in the area was given info about Whitaker’s possible location.
Whitaker was found living in a shack he had constructed complete with a bed and a roof. He survived by catching fish out of a nearby canal, and hunting javelina and rabbit.
“Law enforcement truly is a team effort,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “We are hopeful his arrest brings the victim and the victim’s family some peace of mind.”