News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Jason Clark

573-522-0980

DDCC04-28

April 28, 2006



EMPHASIS: Suspect Arrested in Dent County for Kidnapping





Captain Ron K. Replogle, Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control announced, on April 27, 2006 at approximately 12:05 p.m., David Lester Freeman, age 30, of Muskegon, Michigan was arrested on a Michigan out of state arrest warrant for Parental Kidnapping. Freeman was arrested at the Indian Trails State Conservation area in Dent County, Missouri.



The Dent County Sheriff’s Office received information from Michigan authorities that Freeman, an avid outdoorsman with some survival training, was believed to be hiding out in the Indian Trails Conservation area with his two children ages 12 and 4. Freeman had indicated he would not be taken alive. The Sheriff’s Office contacted the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for assistance with the investigation. After two days of surveillance and combing the nearly 10,000 acre area. Two members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Drug and Crime Control disguised as turkey hunters located and captured Freeman without incident.



Both of the children were also located safely at the campsite and were released to the Dent County Juvenile authorities. Several weapons appeared to be strategically place throughout the campsite. Weapons seized during the incident were shotguns, a long rifle and several knives and swords.



Freeman is currently being held at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office waiting extradition back to Michigan. The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence of guilt in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.