FROSTPROOF, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office continues to ask for the public's help in locating an armed and dangerous suspect wanted in a Tuesday morning homicide in Frostproof.

  • Polk authorities searching for homicide suspect Taiwan Blandin
  • Blandin suspected in the death of a retired substitute teacher in her 80s
  • Blandin described 6 feet, 190 pounds; armed and dangerous

The suspect is identified as Taiwan Blandin, 30. Sheriff Grady Judd said Blandin has threatened to commit suicide or suicide by cop. The homicide victim, whose name has not been released, was a woman in her 80s.

“We’re prepared for that eventuality," Judd said. "If it happens, we hope that he thinks better of it and peacefully surrenders when we find him.”

Detectives have obtained a warrant for Blandin's arrest for first degree murder.

The crime in Frostproof may somehow be connected to an altercation earlier Tuesday in Fort Meade where someone was shot in the foot. 

Judd said investigators at the Fort Meade crime scene were receiving a great deal of cooperation from area residents. Meanwhile in Frostproof, resident Eric Schofstoll talked about the woman killed, a retired school teacher.

“She’ll give you the shirt off of your back if you ask her for it," Schofstoll said. "Don’t have to take it from her. She didn’t deserve that. 84 years-old and lived by herself."

Blandin was last seen driving a 2011 dark red Chevy Cruz with Florida tag NAG K37 and tinted windows. He is 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. Later on Tuesday the Sheriff's Office released images captured from video surveillance showing Blandin's vehicle.

 

 Anyone who sees Blandin or the vehicle is asked not to approach but to call 911 immediately.

If you have information about the investigation, you can also call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).