CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — What started as an online relationship ended with an Amber Alert and the arrest of a Tennessee man for charges of kidnapping last weekend.
WAOW TV reports that 22-year-old Trevor Blackburn will make a court appearance today where he will likely be charged with kidnapping and burglary. Other charges are possible pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officers say Blackburn became acquainted with 15-year-old Kryssy King of Holcombe through the internet during the summer of 2021. The two are said to have exchanged illegal and inappropriate messages.
Blackburn is accused of taking the girl from her home early Saturday morning, then burglarizing a nearby house where he stole cash and some food. He then hid with her in a wooded area about five miles from her home.
Officers were able to ping Blackburn’s cell phone, which helped them determine that the two were not far off. Additionally, Blackburn did not have a vehicle with him.
King eventually got away from Blackburn and was able to get to a nearby home before she was returned to her family. Blackburn was later arrested in Douglas County.
A Chippewa County judge has set Blackburn’s bond at $1 million, citing threats he had made against the girl in the past. He also called Blackburn a flight risk because he has no ties to Wisconsin. Attorneys for Blackburn had asked for a $40,000 bond, noting that he suffers from a mental illness and is on disability.
