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MELBOURNE, Fla. Melbourne Police say a man taken into custody on an outstanding warrant escaped while being removed from a transport vehicle outside a Melbourne hospital and as of noon today, has not been located.

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In a press release issued early Thursday, police identified the suspect as Eric Jordon Jerry (DOB 04/10/2001), described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, from Melbourne.

What police say happened

According to Melbourne Police, officers contacted Jerry on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in reference to an outstanding warrant and took him into custody without incident. During transport to the Brevard County Jail, police said Jerry reported a medical issue, and transport officers diverted to a Orlando Health Hospital on Wickham Rd.

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Police said that as officers were removing Jerry from the vehicle, he battered the officers and ran from the scene. During the confrontation, officers discovered Jerry had removed his handcuffs, police said.

Officers chased him into the woods south of the hospital, and additional units responded to assist. Police said the search included multiple canine teams, drones, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit, but officers were unable to locate him.

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Charges in the escape

Melbourne Police said Jerry is facing the following charges related to the incident:

• Escape
• Battery on a law enforcement officer
• Resisting with violence
• Resisting without violence

Court records show prior felony cases in Brevard

Public Brevard County court records list multiple felony cases involving Jerry in 2019, with several counts showing guilty dispositions entered on January 7, 2020. Those records include charges such as burglary of a conveyance armed, grand theft of a firearm, grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary of a conveyance, interference with custody, and harassing a witness or victim in a third-degree felony proceeding. Separate witness-tampering related counts in 2019 are listed as disposed by the prosecutor in June 2019.

The same court record summary also shows a criminal traffic case filed in February 2026 listed as pending, including allegations of driving without a valid license and speeding on an interstate.

How to submit a tip

Anyone with information on Jerry’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Melbourne Police Department at (321) 608-7731. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Do not approach. If you believe you see Jerry, call 911.