By MONA NAIR
6 News Reporter
JACKSBORO (WATE) – It has taken a year, but Jacksboro police say they have arrested a local man who was repeatedly seen naked in town.
Police received several complaints about Lonnie Blankenship, 58, but they were unable to arrest him until this week.
"He would pretty much stand out there and expose himself to the public," said a neighbor, Patrick May. "And that to me is disturbing, having two girls."
May was one of several people who complained about Blankenship.
Blankenship's home is in the heart of Jacksboro, not far from the courthouse and an elementary school.
Police say the number of people catching sight of the naked man only added to the local scandal.
Authorities say they had to catch Blankenship in the act in order to arrest him. Every time they responded to a complaint, Blankenship was already indoors.
"He's like Big Foot," said Jacksboro Police Det. Mike Starrett. "You hear a lot about him, you never really see him."
Finally, Starrett says, he happened to be seconds away from Blankenship's house last week when a call came in.
"He was totally nude. As I exited the vehicle, he realized it was the police," said Starrett. "He tried to get away, but instead of running, he was side stepping, trying to get in through the back door."
Despite trying to conceal his private parts, Blankenship was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.
Blankenship's wife told 6 News she warned him he would get in trouble for standing outside naked, but he didn't listen.
"I have no idea what would make someone walk around naked in broad daylight or in the dead of the night," Starrett said, reflecting on the arrest.
Locals say they hope the arrest changes the view in their neighborhood.
"I'm glad because now we don't have to worry about the kids," May said.
Lonnie Blankenship (source: Jacksboro Police Department)
