BLANCHESTER — A Blanchester man was charged and taken into custody after police said he “was waving a knife around and shouting to himself in the park” according to witnesses.

Shortly after 9 p.m. Monday Blanchester police were called to Dewey Memorial Park at Wall and Railroad streets for a report of a man with a knife, according to Police Chief Scott Reinbolt. Officers arrived and spoke with witnesses.

“Officers found the man seated at a picnic table nearby, and found that he had a kitchen knife with a 5-inch blade concealed on his person, said Reinbolt. He said the man was identified as Robert “Bobby” Johnson, 49, who is currently homeless and formerly resided at 113 N. Broadway St.

“Johnson was uncooperative and insulting toward the officers, and made several statements apparently intended to intimidate them, including telling them a story about a law enforcement officer he had previously assaulted,” said Reinbolt.

He added that Johnson’s criminal record includes several convictions for felonious assault — at least one of which involved a peace officer as the victim.

Johnson was transported by police cruiser to Clermont Mercy Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. A Blanchester police officer and several Clermont County Sheriff’s deputies had to assist medical staff in restraining Johnson at the hospital, Reinbolt said.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and carrying a concealed weapon. He will answer the charges in the Clinton County Municipal Court.