PALATKA, Fla. — *UPDATE 11:51 A.M.*

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has announced the successful capture of Eddie Tripp. As a result, all lockdown measures in the surrounding area have been lifted.

Earlier today, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reported the escape of an inmate from police custody during a medical visit just outside Palatka.

The inmate, identified as 27-year-old Eddie Tripp, was reportedly attending a medical appointment in a facility near HCA Florida Putnam Hospital when the escape occurred.

PCSO says that a heavy police presence is expected to be near the area of St. Johns Avenue and the Kay Larkin apartment area. 

The Putnam County School District says that Kelley Smith Elementary and Children’s Reading Center Charter School are on full lockdown, while Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Mellon Learning Center and Putnam Academy of Arts and Sciences are on a modified lockdown. PCSO also says that the nearby St. Johns River State College is also on lockdown.

Police say that Tripp is a convicted felon who was arrested in October for aggravated battery and kidnapping by the Palatka Police Department.

Tripp has confirmed gang connections, PCSO confirmed with First Coast News. He is considered dangerous, and if approached, police say “he will fight.”

PCSO encourages any sightings of Tripp to be sent to the police by calling 911 immediately.