Burby released statement regarding last night's manhunt and Blankenship arrest

December 15, 2023

Released by: Sheriff Burby

On December 14, 2023, DPS Narcotics Agents, DPS Patrol, Jasper County, and Newton County S.O., and Lumberton PD K9 Leroy were involved in a fugitive from justice investigation for Rodney Blankenship. Newton County S.O. listed Blankenship as a

wanted person in November 2023. Blankenship was wanted for multiple felony warrants including Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Poss of C/S, Unlawful Poss of a Firearm by Felon, and a Probation Violation.

At about 5:30 pm, a dark-colored vehicle was observed on Hwy 96 in Kirbyville being driven by Rodney Blankenship. Officers attempted to make a vehicle stop on Blankenship.

Blankenship drove off to Shaw Guy Road and stopped in the Bean Cemetery on CR 548 in Jasper County. This is a short distance down the street from the Exotic Cat Refuge.

Jasper and Newton County Deputies set up a perimeter on each end of the street into this area.

They checked all incoming and outgoing vehicles to ensure Blankenship was not inside.

A short time later a DPS Airship arrived and located Blankenship sitting on the banks of a nearby creek. Officers and Deputies who participated in the pursuit all entered the wooden area to locate and arrest Blankenship. When we reached Blankenship, he again fled across a narrow shallow creek and was caught by Sergeant Ainsworth from Lumberton PD K9 Leroy. He was caught and placed in custody without injury to any law enforcement officers.

This was a successful operation by a large group of law enforcement

professionals. DPS, Narcotics, and NCSO Deputies have been actively involved in the search since I posted wanted circulars on Blankenship.

While we escorted him out of the wooded area, I spoke with Blankenship and told him what County Jail he was going to be housed in. A short time later the DPS Lt. informed me that Blankenship was going to be charged with Evading in Jasper County.

Blankenship is currently in custody in the Jasper County Jail waiting to be arraigned and he is facing additional charges resulting from his arrest.

I want to thank all the law enforcement personnel who worked for weeks and long hours before Blankenship’s arrest. Your dedication to duty is second to none.