BUCYRUS—A Bucyrus man intended to save big money at an Ontario lumber yard but instead got big trouble when his probation officer observed him in a car circling the parking lot.
Raymond Blankenship was wanted on a warrant from the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.
According to probation officer Kylie Sinclair, Blankenship fled a probation appointment the previous day after being asked to take a routine drug test.
On March 17th, Sinclair was at Menard’s in Ontario when she noticed Blankenship in the passenger side of a car headed to the back lumber yard of the store. Sinclair contacted the Ontario Police Department to execute the warrant. They responded with a K-9 unit. When Sinclair and the officer approached Blankenship he threw down the lumber and fled behind stacked lumber. Blankenship surrendered willingly after the officer told him if he did not come out he would release his dog.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leüthold entered a not guilty plea on Blankenship’s behalf and appointed attorney Ed Bibler to represent him.Leüthold asked for bond recommendations from the state and defense.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler cited Blankenship’s felony record but emphasized the need for a high bond because of him being a flight risk. Hoovler pointed out that Blankenship fled the courthouse and tried to flee from his probation officer. Hoovler asked for a $50,000.00 bond.
Andrew Motter represented Blankenship for the purposes of bond and asked the court for a $25,000.00 bond so if Blankenship could make bond he could seek treatment for his drug addiction. Leüthold set Blankenship’s bond at $25,000.00 and set the matter for a full hearing.