A man that was reportedly throwing rocks at vehicles along Airport Way near the 120 Bypass overcrossing Wednesday night also tried to drive away with a Manteca Police Department patrol car.

Adrian Whatley, 39, was reported to police by the staff of an adult crisis facility located on the 400 block of South Airport Way after he began causing a disturbance and breaking windows inside of the facility with rocks.

Officers located Whatley with the assistance of a passing motorist that notified officers that he was throwing rocks at passing vehicles. When a Manteca Police officer arrived on scene and attempted to give Whatley instructions, he reportedly ignored the officer and instead started making his way towards the driver’s side door of the patrol vehicle – attempting to climb behind the wheel.

The officer grabbed Whatley, and a struggled ensued – requiring the assistance of an additional officer and the use of a Taser to subdue the agitated man. He was taken to an area hospital where he was checked for injuries, and upon clearance was transported to the San Joaquin County Jail where he was booked on charges of attempting carjacking, throwing items at moving vehicles, and vandalism – all felonies – as well as resisting or obstructing an officer.

Whatley is being held on $530,000 bail and is expected to appear in the Department M1 of the Manteca branch of the San Joaquin County Superior Court today at 1:30 p.m. to answer to the charges against him.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.