3-Day Multistate Manhunt Ends with Arrest in Portland
Authorities have launched an investigation into how Damion Blevins, a man convicted of second-degree assault and deemed a “sexually violent predator,” was able to cut off his GPS monitor and escape from a housing facility in Washington state, prompting a three-day manhunt that ended with his capture in Portland, Oregon.
Blevins, 33, was arrested outside a convenience store in Portland on Thursday. He had been on the run since Monday after escaping from a restrictive housing complex in Tukwila, Washington. Officials confirmed that Blevins will be extradited back to Washington, where he faces additional charges.
Escape from Less Restrictive Housing
Blevins had been civilly committed to a secure treatment facility on McNeil Island, Washington, following his 2017 conviction for second-degree assault on a woman. The state had classified him as a sexually violent predator. Recently, however, he had been granted permission by a court to move to less restrictive housing in a Tukwila neighborhood, raising questions about the decision to ease his confinement.
Authorities say Blevins removed his GPS ankle monitor and fled. His last known sighting before capture was at a Seattle transit station, where he likely boarded a train to Portland.
Investigation Underway
The Washington Department of Corrections and the Department of Social and Health Services are investigating how Blevins was able to escape. Corrections spokesperson Christopher Wright stated that the agency is still gathering details about the events leading up to the escape and will review supervision protocols for community housing placements.
This escape is seen as one of the more severe lapses in monitoring in recent years, drawing attention to potential gaps in the system meant to keep violent offenders under close supervision.
Legal Proceedings
Blevins is currently awaiting an arraignment hearing in Portland, scheduled for Monday. No attorney for him has been listed in court or jail records at this time. Following his arraignment, he will be extradited back to Washington to face additional charges for his escape.
