The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an inmate who escaped from a hospital during a medical appointment on Thursday.

There is a heavy law enforcement presence is the area of the hospital at St. Johns Avenue and Kay Larkin Apartment area.

Eddie Tripp, 27, of Palatka, was last seen near the hospital and MedEx in a blue jumpsuit.

Officials said Tripp is a convicted felon who was arrested by the Palatka Police Department in October for aggravated battery and kidnapping and he is considered dangerous.

If you see Tripp, do not approach him and immediately call 911. Out of an abundance of caution, St. Johns State College, Kelley Smith Elementary School and Reading Center Charter School are on lockdown. Traffic in these areas will be limited.

See Full Page