Machete-wielding man reportedly attacks Middleburg man

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — A man is being questioned by deputies in connection with a stabbing Tuesday morning in Middleburg.

Deputies responded around 1 a.m. to a reported stabbing at a home in the area of Bluegrass Avenue in Middleburg.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office said the 69-year-old victim is in critical condition after he was stabbed multiple times during a fight with another man. The victim, who was identified as Ron Putnam, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Victim identified as 69-year-old Ron Putnam.

A neighbor said he opened his door to the victim, who was bloody from several cuts. The victim was injured by a machete, the neighbor told Action News Jax.

Detectives said a machete was found near the crime scene.

"He had a cut across his wrist, (a) big gouge across his head where his skull was actually showing," said neighbor Richard Spain. "He was covered in blood."

Deputies searched for Caleb Ertley, 24, who was apprehended by deputies around 10 a.m. and taken in for questioning.

Detectives found Ertley after following bike tire tracks into to the wooded area where he was camping.

Alan Hendel said he found Ertley sleeping on his property around 10 p.m. Monday. Ertley said he needed a place to stay after getting into a fight with his father.

“(He said he) couldn’t stay with his parents because they had beat him up,” Hendel said. “He was showing me a scar or a scab on his head.”

Deputy reports obtained by Action News Jax showed that Ertley called police after he and his father, Jeffrey, got into a fight July 2 at Putnam’s home.

Deputies removed a bike, a tent and other items that belonged to Ertley.

A motive hasn’t been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

Action News Jax reporter Bridgette Matter is gathering the details. Refresh the page, watch CBS47 Action News Jax beginning at 5 p.m. and follow her on Twitter @BridgetteANjax for the latest information. 

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