On February 26, 2026, at approximately 7:45 A.M., Keewatin Police Chief Chris Whitney was driving into Keewatin, itasca County, when he observed Nashwauk Police Chief, Lee Longoria, standing on the sidewalk in front of 104 N. 1st Street, talking to an adult female (A. R.). Chief Whitney pulled over to be briefed on the situation by Chief Longoria, who reported that A. R. Had called 911 over the way her soon-to- be ex-husband was disciplining one of their young children. The suspect was identified as Jevohn William Runnels.
It was reported that Runnels had spanked a three (3) year old child [NAME REDACTED], causing one of the child's buttocks to become very red. Chief Longoria remained at the scene while Chief Whitney went and checked on for duty and got his squad car. Upon arriving back to the scene, Chief Whitney was advised by Chief Longoria that Runnels lives on the main level of the house and A. R. And the two young children live in the basement. Chief Longoria reported that Runnels was inside the residence and was calm.
The two (2) chiefs proceeded inside the residence and spoke with Runnels, who admitted to spanking the three (3) year old child. He stated that he was ashamed of his behavior lately. He stated that he was going through a lot in life and that today's incident was out of character for him. Chief Longoria remained with Runnels while Chief Whitney went down to the basement to speak with A. R. And the children. The alleged victim was identified as K. R., [DOB REDACTED]. Both K. R. And her five (5) year old sister immediately told Chief Whitney, "daddy was being bad, daddy mean, daddy scary". The two (2) children made such comments repeatedly while Chief Whitney was downstairs.
Chief Whitney asked A. R. To summarize what happened that morning, in which he explained that she was having a hard time getting K. R. To listen. She stated that she had K. R. On the bed, at which time Runnels came down and began screaming in K. R.'s face, making her cry more. A. R. Stated that Runnels picked K. R. Up, held her tight, causing her to cry, almost to the point of hyperventilating. A. R. Stated that Runnels then put K. R.'s coat on her and took her out to the car. A. R. Stated that Runnels has done this in the past to intimidate the children to scare them into listening to him.
Due to having a walking boot on, A. R. Stated that she was not able to go out to the car and see what happened. A. R. Stated that Runnels then brought K. R. Back into the residence and spanked her hard several times, raising his hand high and striking the child with a lot of momentum. She stated that Runnels then locked K. R. In the bathroom and threatened to burn her favorite blanket. A. R. Stated at that point, she could not let it go on anymore and called 911. She stated that Runnels became upset with her for calling 911. A. R. Stated that Runnels' behavior toward the children had been out of control the last six (6) months.
