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A female police officer was shot and killed this morning outside of a Pine Hills, Florida Walmart just west of Orlando. Police are currently looking for suspect Markeith Lloyd.Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.The department confirmed the death of Sgt Debra Clayton at 10AM EST, with a press conference planned for 10:45 AM regarding the shooting.
OPD @ChiefJohnMina It is with such a heavy heart that I have to tell you Master Sgt Debra Clayton a 17-year veteran of OPD, died at 7:40 am pic.twitter.com/owWHyuaOtj
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017
According to the Orlando Sentinel: "WFTV-Channel 9 showed a flag-covered coffin being loaded into the back of a van at the hospital while more than a dozen OPD officers stood at attention. It also did not name the officer, but Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill posted on Facebook, 'Oh God!!!! Please pray for my OPD Liaison, she's been shot down in Pinehills.'"
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 police announce that they were looking for Lloyd at about 9:30, after it was reported that he had shot at an officer and missed. It was not mentioned if he was connected to the murder, but the shootings did take place at around the same time and place. Lloyd also is being sought for the recent murder of his pregnant girlfriend, 24-year-old Sade Dixon, and wounding her brother Ronald on December 13th.
"The @OrlandoPolice Department is heartbroken today. One of our own was taken in the line of duty." https://t.co/GrrXAfAA4S pic.twitter.com/oLoaKae2mb
— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) January 9, 2017
Lloyd reportedly fired at a deputy's vehicle and missed, according to the Sherrif's Department. He then carjacked a vehicle and escaped, later abandoning the vehicle. Officers are currently concentrating their search at the site of the car.[caption id="attachment_9695" align="aligncenter" width="205"]
Markeith Lloyd (Orange County Sheriff's Office)[/caption]Several schools have been on lockdown due to police activity in the area. The Walmart has also been shut down due to the investigation. Motorists have been advised to avoid the area altogether.UPDATE: According to AP News, a second officer was killed in a motorcycle crash while searching for Lloyd. The Orlando Mayor has declared a day of mourning.
