Palatka Man on Probation Arrested After Fleeing Deputies

Derrick Earl Burke, 21, ran from police on Newberry Road and at Hunters Crossing in Gainesville

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Derrick Earl Burke, a 21-year-old man from Palatka, Florida, was arrested after fleeing from deputies in two separate incidents in Gainesville. Burke, who is currently on probation, first ran from deputies near a hotel on Newberry Road, where a search of his backpack revealed a loaded handgun, magazine, and ammunition. He then escaped custody while being escorted from a hospital emergency room, leading to a foot chase through a shopping center parking lot before he was apprehended behind a nearby home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces with repeat offenders on probation who are allegedly still in possession of firearms, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism.

The details

According to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the Quality Inn on Newberry Road after a woman ran out of her hotel room screaming for help, saying her boyfriend had a gun. Deputies found a man matching the description, Derrick Earl Burke, and ordered him to the ground, but he refused to comply and fled on foot. After a chase through the hotel parking lot and a nearby Walgreens, deputies were able to tackle Burke, search his backpack, and find a loaded handgun, magazine, and ammunition. Burke is on probation and not allowed to possess firearms, though he is not considered a convicted felon. While being escorted from the hospital, Burke twisted out of a deputy's control and ran, leading to another foot chase through a shopping center before he was apprehended behind a nearby home.

  • At around 2:37 p.m. on February 5, 2026, deputies were dispatched to the Quality Inn on Newberry Road.
  • Burke was found and arrested behind a home in the residential neighborhood south of Hunter's Crossing Apartments.

The players

Derrick Earl Burke

A 21-year-old man from Palatka, Florida, who was on probation and allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun, magazine, and ammunition.

Alachua County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the initial call, pursued Burke, and ultimately arrested him.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold repeat offenders accountable and ensure public safety in our communities.”

— Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr., Alachua County Sheriff (alachuachronicle.com)

What’s next

Burke will appear before a judge to determine if he will be allowed bail while awaiting trial on the new charges, which include unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm, tampering with evidence, resisting without violence, escape, and additional counts of resisting an officer without violence.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who allegedly continue to engage in criminal behavior while on probation, highlighting the need for more effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs to prevent recidivism and keep communities safe.