A local man was taken into custody on Monday afternoon, September 28, 2026, after allegedly participating in a street “Demolition Derby” and leading police on a high-speed vehicle pursuit.

At approximately 4:30 PM, Monterey Police Department officers responded to reports of erratic driving near Elm Street and Peter Avenue. Upon arrival, officers spotted a matching vehicle attempting to flee the scene at a high rate of speed.

When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a pursuit that ended on Harristown Road, where the suspect finally stopped and was apprehended.

The driver was identified as Mark A. Whited. He was transported to the Putnam County Jail, where he is being held on a total bond of $78,144.00. Whited faces new charges of Evading Arrest, alongside the service of active warrants for Juvenile Attachment, a Capias for Failure to Appear or Pay, and Violation of Parole.