CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A man who pleaded guilty in a case involving rape and burglary and was due to be sentenced has failed to turn himself in to authorities, and police are asking the community for help in locating him.
Douglas Scott Rupert, 40, has an outstanding warrant for burglary and sexual battery on an unlawfully restrained person, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Hobbs.
Hobbs said the warrant for Rupert stems from a burglary and rape investigation the Clearlake Police Department began last July 27, with Rupert identified as the suspect in the case.
Rupert recently pleaded guilty in the case, however Hobbs said Rupert failed to turn himself in for sentencing. The Lake County Superior Court subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Rupert on Jan. 28.
The Clearlake Police Department has so far received little accurate information about Rupert's whereabouts, and Hobbs said police believe friends and family members have been helping Rupert hide.
On Wednesday, the Clearlake Police Department received information that Rupert was possibly staying in Clearlake Oaks and was headed back to Clearlake to obtain a firearm, according to Hobbs.
Hobbs said the Clearlake Police Department also has received information from several sources that Rupert has said he will not allow law enforcement to arrest him.
Police are hoping that, by seeking the public's help, Rupert's arrest can be expedited, Hobbs said.
Rupert, also known as “Dough Boy,” is 6 feet tall, weighs 175 pounds, has brown hair and hazel eyes, according to the description offered by police.
Hobbs said Rupert is considered to be armed and dangerous, and members of the public should not attempt to apprehend or detain him.
Anyone with information about Rupert’s location is asked to immediately contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251.