The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Steven Charles Whitney, a fugitive on their “Most Wanted” list for over three years.
Whitney was captured in Eugene, Oregon, after evading law enforcement by using fake IDs and altering vehicle license plates.
Whitney faced three active felony warrants in Charlotte County, including charges stemming from a 2022 incident where he allegedly chased and shot at teenagers in Punta Gorda.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit located Whitney and contacted the Eugene Police Department.
Police confirmed his presence in their jurisdiction and identified him as a suspect in an armed robbery case.
When law enforcement attempted to serve an arrest warrant, Whitney barricaded himself inside a home but later surrendered. Police found fake IDs, 15 pounds of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and multiple firearms in the home.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed relief at Whitney’s capture, saying his team showed diligence in locating him over 3,000 miles away.
“This individual has been ducking law enforcement for far too long, and now his luck has finally run out,” said Prummell. “It proves that if you commit a violent crime in Charlotte County, we will not stop until we find you and hold you accountable, no matter where you hide.”
Whitney faces multiple felony charges in Charlotte County, including failure to appear, violation of pre-trial release, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He will be extradited to Charlotte County after facing charges in Oregon.