Spokane: SPD Arrest Level III Registered Sex Offender for Failure to Register
Washingtoner/10332396

~ Spokane Police Respond to Concerning Incident Involving Registered Sex Offender

On August 10th, 2026, Spokane Police officers were called to the area of 2700 E. South Riverton Ave. after receiving reports of two young children exiting a tent occupied by a registered sex offender near the river. The officers, led by Officer T. Leming, PIO, arrived at the scene and learned that the children, ages 7 and 9, did not know the man inside the tent. The man was later identified as 70-year-old Michael Blodgett, a Level III registered sex offender.

According to the children's statements to the officers, they had been playing with Blodgett inside his tent and were planning to make pancakes together. It was also revealed that the children had gone to the river without their parents' knowledge. Fortunately, they were safely reunited with their families.

Following this concerning incident, detectives from SPD's Special Victims Unit launched an investigation into whether there was enough evidence to charge Blodgett with Child Luring. However, after examining all available evidence and considering Washington's current Child Luring statute requirements, investigators were unable to establish probable cause for this charge. There was no evidence found that suggested any harm had come to the children or that any other crime involving them had taken place.

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During their investigation, detectives did find probable cause for another charge - Failure to Register as a sex offender - and on August 11th, Blodgett was located and arrested by officers before being booked into Spokane County Jail.

In light of this incident and its outcome, SPD wants to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of talking with their children about interacting with unfamiliar adults and knowing where they are at all times. They also expressed gratitude towards community members who recognized a concerning situation and promptly alerted police. This allowed officers to quickly locate the children and ensure their safety.

SPD believes it is crucial for the community to understand the details of this incident and why it did not meet the legal requirements for a Child Luring charge under current Washington law. They hope that by sharing this information, parents and caregivers will be more vigilant in keeping their children safe.

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