Florida man wanted on charges of murder, sexual battery, arrested in Atlanta

A Florida man who Polk County deputies say murdered one woman and sexually battered another in early October was arrested Saturday morning following a carjacking in Atlanta.

Taiwan Blandin, 30, of Frostproof was booked into the Fulton County Jail, where he was charged with carjacking, escape, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing to elude and other charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, Blandin committed a carjacking at a convenience store around 2:30 a.m. Saturday. An officer spotted the stolen vehicle, and police attempted to stop Blandin at a traffic stop. He tried to flee but crashed the car and was apprehended following a brief chase on foot. He was shot with a Taser while resisting arrest.

Police discovered gloves and a handgun inside the stolen car. The items are being processed.

A woman who Polk deputies say was not the carjacking victim was also inside the car. She was arrested, as well.

Blandin is being held in the Fulton County jail and will be returned to Polk County to face charges at a later date, the sheriff’s office said.

Polk County had warrants out for Blandin’s arrest on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree arson, armed kidnapping, sexual battery with a deadly weapon, armed burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft of a firearm and tampering with physical evidence. The Wauchula Police Department also had warrants out for his arrest.

“We are grateful that this violent, armed, and dangerous suspect is in custody and his crime spree has come to an end," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "The Atlanta Police Department did an awesome job. Based on the felonies he’s racked up, he likely won’t spend another day on the street. He’s behind bars where he belongs.”