One of TBI’S Most Wanted Captured in Warren County

A Van Buren County Jail escapee who was on the TBI’S Most Wanted list has been captured. 37 year old Joel Ernest Blanton escaped from the Van Buren County Jail at around 1:00am Monday morning. Blanton was awaiting sentencing on charges of rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery when he made his escape.
Blanton was captured Monday in Warren County by Warren County officers, along with officers from Van Buren County, the District Attorney’s office, the TBI and federal marshals.
Authorities received information that Blanton was hiding at a residence on Salem Road. He surrendered to authorities, but not before officers fired tear gas into the house.
Blanton was taken to the Warren County Jail after being apprehended.