Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Joplin man held without bond on child molestation, statutory rape, weapons charges

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On Monday, April 16, 2018 at 5:45 p.m. one of our officers was checking a residence near 6th and Turk for a wanted suspect. 

The suspect was wanted for statutory rape in the first Degree against a juvenile. The officer observed the wanted male walk out of the residence and begin walking east on 6th Street. The officer pulled up behind the subject, exited his vehicle and contacted the male, telling him he was under arrest. As the officer made contact with him he turned and took off running.

The officer, seeing the male was running toward a park, told him to stop or he would send his dog. The male refused, and a police K9 was deployed. The K9 was able to apprehend the fleeing suspect, and he was taken into custody. It was then discovered the suspect, who is also a convicted felon, was in possession of a loaded handgun. The suspect was treated and released at a local hospital.

The suspect, Blaine U. Downum, 29, Joplin, was transported to the Joplin City Jail and charges were submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Yesterday, charges were filed against Downum for Child Molestation in the 1st Degree, Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree, Resisting a Felony Arrest, and Felon in Possession of a firearm. Bond was denied and he is currently in custody.

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