State police looking for man involved in alleged carjacking in Blairsville

BLAIRSVILLE, Pa. — State police are looking for a man wanted for an alleged carjacking Wednesday morning in Blairsville Borough, Indiana County.

Pennsylvania State Police say Michael Whitfield, 35, of Greensburg, is the man wanted in connection to a violent carjacking in Blairsville, Indiana County early Wednesday morning.

Troopers said they were able to identify the man quickly thanks to tips from the community, and good surveillance video from local businesses.

“Within minutes, we received several tips of people stating his name and that they either were acquainted with him, knew who he was, saw him around town, and knew his face,” said Trooper Tristan Tappe.

According to court documents, a woman and her nine-year-old granddaughter arrived at Keeper of the Flame care facility early Wednesday morning.

The woman told police a man was walking toward them. She said he waived at them politely -- something troopers said Whitfield likely did to make the two feel at ease.

But then -- moments later -- Whitfield allegedly approached her from behind and cut her throat with a box cutter.

Troopers said Whitfield told the woman to get in the car -- pointed at her granddaughter -- and said, “She is going to die.”

Police said he pushed the woman into the car, and the granddaughter tried to hide and run away. Whitfield chased after her and threw the child into the car.

But, the young girl told investigators she left the door cracked, and was able to jump out of the car as Whitfield drove away.

Troopers say her quick thinking was life-saving.

“Obviously, I don’t know this young girl personally, but I think anybody would go to say that young lady is wise beyond her years and very mature for her age,” Tappe said. “By her thinking one step ahead and doing what she did, she quite literally saved her own life.”

This isn’t the first time this week Whitfield has been accused of stealing a car.

Police in Greensburg have a warrant out for his arrest for allegedly stealing a friend’s car Monday night before disappearing.

Troopers say Whitfield is still on the run, considered to be armed and dangerous.

He was last seen in a brownish-gold 2003 Ford f250 with PA plates XLE-1209.

Troopers said they’re hopeful someone in the community will see him and report it -- the same way they called with his name.

“We just stress that this is a crucial moment for the community to come together and help us,” Tappe said.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to Whitfield’s arrest.

Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek spoke with the family who did not want to be interviewed, but said the woman is out of the hospital recovering. The granddaughter is very shaken up.

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