Tips from the public lead to arrest of alleged sex offender

MT. MORRIS TOWNSHIP (WJRT) - (03/23/15) – A Mid-Michigan man wanted for sex crimes against kids is now in police custody, and tips from the public played a role in finding him.

Mt. Morris Township and Michigan State Police made their move just before noon Monday on a house on the 1000 block of Knickerbocker Ave. in Mount Morris Township.

After two hours, they finally took a 50-year-old wanted man into custody.

His name? William Blake Jr.

Last month, ABC12 first reported that police were looking for help in find him.

Police said a tip from the public is what led them to the house on Knickerbocker, a home of one of Blake’s relatives.

Blake was hiding from police in a crawl space under the home for two hours before being taken into custody.

Police tell us tips have been coming in for the past couple weeks, especially to Crime Stoppers.

Blake was wanted for sexual crimes against children. Two of the counts involve a person under the age of 13.

Head of Crime Stoppers, Julie Lopez, said she thinks the nature of his alleged crimes are what led to so many tips.

“The community really stepped up and did a great job. The community really wanted this person off the streets. So, we’d like to thank them,” Lopez said.

Julie also reminds us if you have any information about any crime in Genesee County, the best thing you can do is call your local police department.

If you want to remain anonymous, call 1-800-SPEAK UP or you can go to the Crime Stoppers website, 1800speakup.org.

You can also text “CSM” plus your tip, to CRIMES.