JEFFERSON COUNTY – A registered sex offender, Donald Guthrie, 38, of Jersey Shore was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Ogle County, Illinois.
Police had searched for Guthrie for several days after receiving reports that Karley Bletz, 14, of Punxsutawney ran away with him.
For more than a week, the girl’s family didn’t have any idea as to her whereabouts. However, they suspected she ran off with Guthrie.
Mount Morris, Ill. police told WJAC-TV that they spotted Guthrie around 1 p.m. Wednesday. Police said that while on patrol, they noticed a man who was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and pants. The man looked unfamiliar and appeared suspicious, as it was 90 degrees outside.
Police engaged in conversations with the man and said he didn’t make much eye contact. The man provided a name, but they later determined it was false and identified him as Guthrie.
Police said Guthrie was standing outside a bank. They believe he was planning to rob the bank.
Police told WJAC-TV that when they asked Guthrie if he was going to rob the bank, he responded, saying “I wasn’t going to hurt anyone.”
Police arrested Guthrie around 3 p.m. after determining they had the correct person. Guthrie told them that Bletz was in the car.
Police said Guthrie’s once silver-colored car had been painted dark green. Bletz, who was blonde before her disappearance, now had dark hair. The girl also told police they planned on removing her braces.
Police said that Guthrie had removed his Pennsylvania license plate and replaced it with one from Indiana. The girl told police that they had been staying in multiple hotels over the past week.
On Thursday, police said Guthrie went to court in Ogle County. No charges were filed against Guthrie in Illinois.
Police said he waived his right to extradition and will return to Lycoming County.
No charges have currently been filed against Guthrie in Jefferson County. Charges are pending against Guthrie, according to court documents. These charges are related to a bank robbery in Hughesville on Aug. 27.
Bletz is expected to return soon to Jefferson County.
