'Violent' man found after leaving Jacksonville mental health facility

He was charged with attempted murder in father's 2013 stabbing, records show

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man with "violent tendencies" who walked away from a behavioral health center on the city's Southside Wednesday afternoon was found unharmed several hours later, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.

About 7:15 p.m., authorities said Bamboo Flute Blanchard was taken into custody by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department after leaving court-ordered treatment at Wekiva Springs Hospital about 1 p.m.

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Earlier, the Sheriff's Office in social media bulletins had stressed the importance of not approaching the 23-year-old man if he was spotted, citing a history of mental health issues and "violent tendencies."

Court records show Blanchard, a diagnosed psychotic, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of attempted first-degree murder in his father's stabbing at the family's Gainesville home in 2013.

Records also indicate he was arrested once more in October 2016 for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.


About the Author

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.

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