By WILLIAM MORRIS

Owatonna Peoples Press

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Authorities are seeking a convicted level 3 predatory offender with ties to Blooming Prairie and Hayfield.

Douglas Lynn Peterson, 66, absconded from his supervised release in Minneapolis on Sunday, according to a Thursday press release from the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The department listed several cities where Peterson had previous connections, including Blooming Prairie, Hayfield, Blaine, Golden Valley, Milaca and Zimmerman, as well as cities in Florida and Arizona.

Peterson had been on intensive supervised release in Minneapolis since November 2014. Court records show he was convicted in Hennepin County of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct and failure to register as a sex offender in 2000 and 2001.

The press release notes he was convicted for sexual conduct involving known juvenile boys. He is considered a level 3 predatory offender, signifying a high likelihood to reoffend.

Citizens are urged not to confront Peterson, who is described as six feet tall and 182 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Officials believe he was wearing a black coat with a grey hood and carrying a backpack. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact the department of corrections directly at 651-603-0026