PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office captured an inmate who escaped from a medical facility during an appointment on Thursday.
There was a heavy law enforcement presence in the area of the hospital at St. Johns Avenue and Kay Larkin Apartment area.
Eddie Tripp, 27, of Palatka, is a convicted felon who the Palatka Police Department arrested in October for aggravated battery and kidnapping.
In a press conference on Thursday about Tripp’s capture, the sheriff’s office talked about the prior arrests leading up to his escape.
On August 19, the Palatka Police Department responded to the Woodland Point apartments in reference to a disturbance call. Police said that Tripp jumped out of a second-story window and ran from officers.
An investigation revealed that Tripp committed aggravated battery and false imprisonment. Police got an arrest warrant and found him at a gas station on Oct. 28. He was arrested without incident.
Sheriff “Gator” DeLoach said Tripp was being taken to a medical facility called MedEx that is near HCA Putnam for a broken foot suffered before his arrest.
The sheriff said Tripp complained about his handcuff being too tight and when a deputy tried to loosen it, Tripp bodyslammed him and escaped. DeLoach said he didn’t follow commands to stop as the deputy chased Tripp to the Forest Glen Apartment complex.
The deputy fired one shot at Tripp and put his weapon away when he realized he didn’t have a clear shot.
St. Johns State College, Kelley Smith Elementary School and Reading Center Charter School were placed on modified lockdown during the search.
The sheriff’s office, Palatka police, Clay County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, and a helicopter from Marion County all assisted in the search.
Tripp was found in a wooded area covered in debris to hide from police. He was about 200 yards away from where he fled and he was bitten by the K-9 before being taken back in custody at the Putnam County Jail.
DeLoach said Tripp is now charged with escape, which is a second-degree felony, and is being held without bond.