UPDATE 5/17/08 4:12 p.m.: MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Blount County Sheriff's Office says Ronald Richard Breeden, 48, has been found in Knoxville, and "he was safe and healthy."

The BCSO says media-generated tips help lead authorities to Breeden.
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MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Authorities are searching for mentally handicapped man who went missing more than two weeks ago from a Blount County group home.

Ronald Richard Breeden, 48, walked away from the Whispering Pines Group Home, according to the Blount County Sheriff's Office.

A BCSO release says Breeden is mentally handicapped, and has been without his prescription medication since he disappeared.

Breeden apparently has a history or walking away from the home, but has always returned within a few days. He has also been known to travel to Knoxville.

Breeden is described as a 6-foot-tall white man. He weighs about 218 pounds, and has hazel eyes and brown hair. He's balding on the top of his head. When he disappeared he was wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and white tennis shoes. He was carrying a brown blanket.

Anyone with information should call the Blount County Sheriff's Office during normal business hours at 865-273-5001, or the 24-hour crime hotline at 865-273-5200.