Manhunt ends with St. Johns County deputies arresting fleeing suspect in St. Augustine

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office took a wanted registered sex predator into custody Saturday evening following a search near U.S. Route 1 North in St. Augustine.

Deputies arrested Kendrick Newby just hours after issuing a public warning that he was considered armed and dangerous.

The sheriff’s office issued the emergency alert around 5 p.m. Saturday as deputies searched the streets surrounding a Circle K convenience store off U.S. one and Ocean Boulevard. Law enforcement personnel conducted ground searches with weapons and flashlights drawn, while a helicopter and multiple drones monitored the neighborhood from above. Deputies located Newby and took him into custody just before 7 p.m.

Jennifer Boudro, a St. Augustine resident living in the neighborhood, watched the law enforcement response unfold from her front porch as police vehicles circled the area.“The police presence kept getting heavier,” Boudro said. “The helicopter wasn’t going away, so we all kind of walked outside to see what was going on. Because, yes, we are nosy.”Boudro reported seeing more drones take to the sky as law enforcement officers planted patrol cars directly in front of her house. She noted that police radio communications were clearly audible from her yard during the operation.“You could hear over the radio. This is St John’s County. Put your hands up,” Boudro said.Boudro described how deputies maneuvered through the surrounding streets while maintaining their focus near the convenience store.“We’ve seen them shoot down past first, going back toward the store,” Boudro said. “We have seen them shot down toward second, but they have always kind of circled back and remained concentrated in this area.”Boudro noted that the response showed how law enforcement works to keep the community safe, offering advice for residents who find themselves near active police scenes.“Do not interfere with law enforcement,” Boudro said. “Do not block the path for emergency vehicles. Pay attention to your surroundings. Lock your doors. Make sure that your animals stay inside. Do not take things in your own hands.”

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed the specific criminal charges that led to the search for Newby, nor have officials detailed the method or tip that led deputies to his exact location. Sheriff’s office representatives stated that more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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