July 24, 2017 - Runnels is no longer being sought as law enforcement officials are reporting his capture.
According to the Shelby County District Attorney's office, after a week long search, sex offender Donald Runnels has been captured. Runnels absconded last week before his trial was to begin. The investigations division of the Shelby County District Attorney's Office then began to track Mr. Runnels.
He was located in Accomack County Virginia. The District Attorney's Office requested the assistance of Accomack County Sheriff and Mr. Runnels was quickly apprehended. He will be extradited back to Shelby County, where he will face prosecution on 4 felony charges.
July 13, 2017 - The Shelby County District Attorney's office is seeking the whereabouts of Donald Ray Runnels, age 50, of Logansport.
Runnels has four outstanding warrants: failure to appear for the original charge of evading arrest, offense date June 9, 2014; sexual assault, second degree felony, offense date of June 2, 2016; failure to appear for the original charge of failure to register as a sex offender, offense date of June 6, 2016; and failure to appear for the original charge of failure to register as a sex offender, offense date of July 8, 2016.
Judge Leanne Kay Rafferty, 123rd Judicial District Court, issued a capias warrant for Runnels arrest. On July 5th Judge Rafferty issued an order to appear for July 10, 2017 to which only the attorney for Runnels appeared.
Runnels has a trial date for July 17, 2017 in the 123rd Judicial District Court with Judge Rafferty presiding.
Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information. Anyone who has information should call Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at www.centercrimestoppers.com. Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous. Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.
If a caller does not wish to remain anonymous or receive a reward, they may call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600.
If anyone is found to be hindering the apprehension, harboring or concealing, providing or aiding with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape or warns Runnels of impending discovery or apprehension will be arrested and charged in accordance to Penal Code 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Felony 3 offense.
