NEWS CONFERENCE: Orlando Police Search For Man Accused of Killing OPD Master Sgt. Debra Clayton
By Space Coast Daily // January 9, 2017
ABOVE VIDEO: Orlando Police News Conference Monday afternoon
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, who was shot three times Monday outside a Pine Hills-area Walmart, has died, the Orlando Police Department said.
Master Sgt. Clayton was carried out from Orlando Regional Medical Center in a flag-draped coffin and was driven from the hospital accompanied by a police escort.
Markeith Loyd, who is also wanted in connection with the shooting death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December, is the suspect in this deadly shooting, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
An Orange County sheriff’s deputy spotted Loyd, at the intersection of North Lane and Pine Hills Drive and followed him to a nearby apartment complex, officials said.
The suspect shot at the deputy, and then carjacked a vehicle and continued to flee, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey released a statement regarding the matter:
As most of you are aware, earlier today Master Sergeant Debra Clayton, a 17-year veteran with the Orlando Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a violent fugitive in Orlando, Florida.
Additionally, a Motor Deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was killed in a vehicle crash while supporting efforts to search for the suspect. Anytime we lose a member of our law enforcement family, it takes a piece of each of us who share this profession.
In an effort to show support for our brothers and sisters from the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office I am requesting that black mourning bands be worn by our uniform personnel until the conclusion of funeral services for both Officers.
While information regarding funeral arrangements will be released when they become available, I ask that you keep the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the families of our fallen heroes in your thoughts and prayers.
These two officers made the ultimate sacrifice today in trying to protect their community and one another.
It is a very sad day for our State and our nation and I ask you to join me in prayer for their families as they face this tragedy.
