Orlando police Officer Debra Clayton dead, Markeith Loyd identified as shooter, police announce manhunt
A wanted murder suspect accused of shooting and killing an Orlando police officer outside a Walmart is still on the run Monday, as police warn the convicted felon with a long rap sheet may be armed and dangerous.
Markeith DaMangzlo Loyd, (name spelling has been confirmed, it is not Markeith Lloyd) was accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend last month, Fox 35 reported. Sade Dixon, 34, was shot and killed on December 13 as Loyd also critically wounded her brother, Ronald Stewart.
He had been arrested 20 times in Orange County since 1994, according to court records.
Loyd was wearing a security uniform at the time of Monday’s shooting, a witness told WFTV.
“(The shooter) was an average looking dude, he walked by me, had a security vest and everything,” witness James Herman told the station. “I was walking down the sidewalk, right past the officer, and I heard her tell him to stop, or whatever, and he shot her. He shot her down.”
After Herman told a police officer, the officer entered Walmart, approaching Loyd, but as the officer walked towards the store, the suspect raced out and fired at least 12 shots. Three shots hit the officer.
Police released video of the officer’s flag-draped coffin leaving Orlando Regional Medical Center. The female officer was shot multiple times, and passed away. She was identified as Sergeant Debra Clayton.
The name of the fallen officer is Sgt. Debra Clayton. Our thoughts are with the Orlando Police Department during this time. pic.twitter.com/tLAxujG6UH — WFTV Eyewitness News (@WFTV) January 9, 2017
As many as 15 schools in Orlando, Florida have been placed on lockdown as authorities pursue Loyd.
Another officer is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while responding to the shooting, the Florida Highway Patrol confirmed to local media.
Confirmed: Motorcycle unit struck by a vehicle earlier today was responding to officer-involved shooting. In critical condition, per FHP.
The agency also reported that the suspect in the shooting, Markeith DaMangzlo Loyd is on the loose as a massive law enforcement presence searches for him in the area of near Cinderlane and Rosemont.. Authorities warn to not approach Loyd.