Randy Golden

Deputies acting on a tip from a citizen surrounded a residence on Deerwood Circle in northeast Macclenny the morning of June 26 and arrested a fugitive wanted for escaping from prison.

Randy Golden, 21, a convicted heroin dealer, surrendered after running from a rear door at the residence of Karen and Kenneth Barron about 11:20 am.

Sgt. James Marker said he and other officers went to the residence based on a tip given to Lt. Gerald Rhoden earlier that day that Mr. Golden was at the address. The suspect lay on the ground after spotting Cpl. Ben Anderson with his K-9 dog positioned nearby.

Mr. Golden escaped June 22 from the Seven Bridges prison camp in Jacksonville, according to the Department of Corrections website. He was sentenced in Baker County in May of last year to two years for trafficking in drugs and possession of a controlled substance.

Sgt. Marker said Mr. Barron, 49, and his wife, 41, were arrested that morning for aiding an escapee, a felony charge. Their two children, ages 14 and 2, were released into the custody of a grandfather.

Lt. Rhoden said he was at a local bank when tipped off about Mr. Golden’s whereabouts.
Two other persons were arrested recently on outstanding warrants:

• Antoin Wrotten, 21, of Gainesville, taken into custody June 26 at the Walmart Distribution Center on an Alachua County warrant for battery on a law enforcement officer.

• Sandra Canaday, 23, of Sanderson, re-arrested at county jail on June 27 on a bond surrender for criminal mischief, resisting arrest without violence and battery on an officer.