Orlando tragedy: Police officer, sheriff's deputy killed
An Orlando police officer described as a hero was shot and killed Monday in a Walmart parking lot during an early morning confrontation, prompting a manhunt for the person already suspected of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend last month, authorities said.
Hours later, an Orange County sheriff's deputy was killed in a traffic crash as a search got underway for the Orlando officer's suspected killer. The traffic crash involving the sheriff's motorcycle deputy and a 78-year-old driver, however, was not directly tied to the initial incident involving the shooting death of Orlando Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, authorities said.
A reward of up to $60,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of 41-year-old Markeith Loyd, the suspect in the shooting. Police said he was wearing a T-shirt that read 'Security' when the shooting took place during the confrontation at the Walmart near Princeton Avenue and John Young Parkway in Orlando.
Clayton’s body, carried out of Orlando Regional Medical Center on a flag-draped gurney, was saluted by a small cadre of officers as it was placed in the back of a medical examiner’s vehicle and escorted out by a procession of police vehicles
Brevard Sheriff: Officers' deaths 'sad day' for nation
"She gave her life protecting the community she loved. She will be deeply missed," said Orlando Police Chief John Mina in an emotional press conference broadcast nationally. "We have a lot of resources trying to catch this suspect. He will be brought to justice," he said, calling the fallen officer a hero.
Clayton, a married mother with one child, is a 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in public administration from UCF in 1998 and later earned her master's in criminal justice there as well.
In a twist of tragic irony, Clayton was shot to death as the nation marks the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Tragic losses
Across Central Florida, tributes poured out on social media for Clayton and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Norman Lewis, who was killed in the traffic accident.
Lewis was an 11-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. Officials there described him as having a "million dollar smile" and being a "consummate professional," giving him the moniker "Big Norm." He is also a UCF graduate who played as an offensive linesman from 2000 to 2003.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators said the deputy was heading south on a motorcycle on Pine Hills Road when the driver of a 2010 Honda van attempted to turn left onto Balboa Drive and turned directly into the path of the motorcycle. The deputy was thrown from the bike and was pronounced dead, reports show.
The law enforcement officers' deaths were the latest in a round of tragedies to hit Orlando in recent months. Clayton's body, escorted on Orlando Avenue by a stream of police cars, evoked another tragic milestone as the procession rode past the Pulse nightclub, site of a massacre that claimed 49 lives near the heart of the city last June.
Gov. Rick Scott learned of the deadly incidents Monday morning and immediately tweeted, 'Just spoke to @ChiefJohnMina and am praying for @OrlandoPolice. I let him know the State stands ready to help in any way.'
'We will track him ...'
The manhunt is ongoing for Loyd, who was spotted Monday morning fleeing in a vehicle from the Walmart where the Orlando officer was shot, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.
Loyd already was sought in connection with the shooting death of 24-year-old Sade Dixon, a mother of two, at her west Orange County home in December. Her brother was also shot and wounded in that incident, according to media reports.
Mina said that Clayton was in uniform and at the Walmart about 7:15 a.m. when a citizen tipped her off about Loyd being in the area. The chief said Clayton called the information in to dispatchers and began searching for Loyd.
Within moments, she spotted Loyd. A brief foot chase began, then Loyd turned and fired off at least one round at Clayton.
"He turned and opened fired on her. She returned fire," Mina said.
At some point, an unidentified sheriff's deputy saw Loyd at North Lane and Pine Hills Drive, and Loyd pulled into a nearby apartment complex. Loyd then opened fire at that deputy, striking his unmarked SUV twice, officials said. The deputy was not injured.
Loyd then carjacked a vehicle and took off, deputies said. He later abandoned the vehicle near the intersection of Rosemont and Cinderlane Parkway, where a manhunt continues, officials said.
Authorities said Loyd should be considered armed and dangerous. Several law enforcement officers swarmed the area in patrol cars and SWAT armored vehicles. Officers were spotted carrying assault rifles at several intersections in the area.
"We are asking the public to assist us with his whereabouts," the Sheriff's Office said. "However, we ask the public not to approach him and call 911 instead."
Fifteen schools in the Pine Hills area were locked down because of the search.
Rockledge officer in teen shooting case resigns
"We will track him down to the ends of the earth," Mina said during a televised press conference.
"He won't get far."
J.D. Gallop contributed to this report. Information from FLORIDA TODAY news partner News 6 Orlando was used in this report.
