BREAKING: Orlando police say an officer who was shot while on duty has died; manhunt underway for suspect.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 9, 2017
Earlier this morning, a murder suspect accused of killing his 24-year old pregnant girlfriend shot a police officer in Orlando. There are now reports that the officer has died and that a manhunt is underway for the suspect, Markeith Loyd. The Orlando Sentinel reported that when the officer approached Lloyd, he fired at him:
Shortly before 930 a.m. the Orange County Sheriff's Office reported that a murder suspect, Markeith Loyd, was being sought.It reported that he had shot at a deputy but missed this morning while trying to flee.
Lloyd was being sought because he is accused of murdering his pregnant 24-year-old girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December.
The Sheriff's Office reported that when he saw the deputy this morning, Loyd fired at the deputy near North Lane and Pine Hills Drive. That gunfire hit the deputy's SUV but not the deputy.
Loyd then carjacked a vehicle and fled, the Sheriff’s Office reported. He then abandoned that vehicle near Rosemont and Cinderlane Parkway, a location where officers and deputies concentrated their search.
Loyd is accused of killing Dixon on Dec. 13 and wounding her 26-year-old brother, Ronald Steward. They were shot at a home on Long Peak Drive.
BREAKING: OCSO seeking Markeith Loyd. Massive manhunt underway near Cinderlane and Rosemont. DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911. Murder suspect. pic.twitter.com/VaZFu6CXUG
— OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 9, 2017
Local schools have been placed on lockdown as police search for Lloyd.
4 additional schools have been placed on lockdown for @OCPSnews. #FOX35 pic.twitter.com/mEoSMmTb8G
— Shannon Delaney (@shannonkdelaney) January 9, 2017
The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today. One of our own was taken in the line of duty. There are no words. pic.twitter.com/M48o1nnr4h
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017
The officer who was killed has been identified as Master Sgt. Debra Clayton. Also, Fox 35 Orlando is reporting that a motorcycle cop who was involved in a crash responding to the shooting has also died.
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REST IN PEACE
— Fox 35 News (@Fox35News) January 9, 2017
Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was killed Monday morning in an officer-involved shooting. A manhunt is underway for the suspect. pic.twitter.com/v9DQkmyoju
Motorcycle officer responding to Walmart shooting has unfortunately died. #fox35 pic.twitter.com/UB62CoV1js
— bob frier (@Fox35Bob) January 9, 2017