Palatka convict Eddie Tripp gave new meaning to “running on adrenaline” Thursday when he escaped police custody despite a badly broken foot, authorities said Thursday.
Tripp managed to scamper nearly 900 yards through buildings and apartment complexes after assaulting a Putnam County deputy took him to a medical facility for treatment of the fracture.
The escape began when Tripp, who had been handcuffed to a walker, complained the cuffs were causing pain after his appointment in front of HCA Florida Putnam Hospital.
As the deputy unlocked the restrained, Tripp allegedly body-slammed the officer and bolted.
The deputy fired a single warning shot during the chase but did not have a clear line of fire as Tripp neared Forest Glen Apartments.
Authorities say the pursuit prompted lockdowns at multiple businesses and schools and temporarily shut down traffic along St. Johns Avenue.
Law enforcement agencies—including the Putnam County SWAT and aviation units, Clay County and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices, and Palatka Police—deployed resources to track him down.
Tripp was eventually located in a wooded area northeast of the hospital by a Clay County Sheriff’s Office K9, which apprehended him.
Tripp, previously arrested by Palatka Police on charges including aggravated battery, kidnapping, battery, and drug possession, was taken to the ER, medically cleared, and returned to the Putnam County Jail.
He now faces additional escape charges with no bond. The pursuing deputy sustained minor scrapes and bruises but was unharmed.
“Mr. Tripp is a well-seasoned convict, so I am sure the additional years he will have added by this stunt will give him time to reflect in the prison system,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said. “I hope his run was worth it, because he won’t get the opportunity again while in my jail.”
