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3rd suspect in Mike Adams stabbing arrested in Florida

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities in Florida took Jerrell Whitlock, the third suspect wanted in connection with the stabbing of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams, into custody Friday morning.

According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Whitlock was taken into custody at the Knight’s Inn hotel in Alachua County with his girlfriend, Precious Gethers. The two were with their 3-year-old son.

Target 11 investigator Rick Earle reported that Whitlock tried to flee out of the back of the hotel, but police were able subdue him with a stun gun.

“Mr. Whitlock attempted to escape through the rear door, saw marshals, retreated back in the building. The marshals went to go after him and were forced to stun him,” said Lt. Jack Kearney.

Authorities said they got a call earlier this week from Whitlock’s father who was concerned about his son’s safety and the safety of police.

“We did pick up some information that led us there and then we also established surveillance in that region and we were able to eventually pinpoint where he was,” said Marshal Steve Frank.

Whitlock and Gethers will be extradited to Pittsburgh, while their son remains with family members in Florida.

Whitlock is charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, attempted carjacking, criminal conspiracy, hindering apprehension and endangering the welfare of a child.

Gethers is charged with hindering apprehension and endangering the welfare of a child.

Investigators said after the Adams stabbing on the South Side, Whitlock fled to a relative’s home in Cleveland and then took a bus to Jacksonville, Fla., with Gethers and their son, where another family member picked them up.

Police said some of Whitlock’s family members may also face charges for helping him elude police.

Whitlock’s mother and sister in Pittsburgh spoke with Channel 11’s Courtney Brennan Friday and said Jerrell and his two friends were defending themselves the night of the stabbing and that Steeler Mike Adams approached them.

“[Mike Adams] came out messing with them; they didn't intentionally go to him and try to steal his car when they had a ride. They didn't even know who this man was. They say he came out the car, yelling, screaming, trying to pick fights with them,” said Katrina Whitlock, Jerrell Whitlock’s sister.

Whitlock’s mother said she doesn’t think Jerrell Whitlock will fight extradition back to Allegheny County.

His sister said she is headed to Florida to pick up her brother’s son.

Two men were previously arrested in the case. Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Diane Richard said 26-year-old Dquay Means and 25-year-old Michael Paranay were arrested last week.

The charges against the men include attempted homicide, aggravated assault and conspiracy.

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