Markeith Loyd is on the run this morning after allegedly shooting an Orlando police officer. The shooting took place at approximately 7:15 am in the parking lot of the Walmart located at Princeton Avenue and John Young Parkway. The officer shot has not been identified.
Details are sketchy, but Loyd was apparently being sought in connection with the shooting death of a pregnant woman last month. Master Sergeant Debra Clayton spotted Loyd in the Walmart at Princeton Avenue and John Young Parkway. According to a witness, Clayton reached out for Loyd, but was pushed to the floor by the suspect, who then shot her three times. After shooting the officer, Loyd carjacked a motorist and fled to an apartment complex near Pine Hills Road and North Lane Avenue where he exited the vehicle.
An unmarked police vehicle pulled up and Loyd fired a couple of shots at the officer. No one was hurt. Loyd then carjacked another motorist and fled the area.
Officer Clayton was taken to ORMC, where the medical examiner is currently on scene. The presence of that office suggests the officer has been killed. There has been no official confirmation of the officer’s condition, however.
Authorities are busily searching for Loyd. A total of 25 schools in and around the area were placed lockdown as the manhunt unfolded. He is still being sought as of this update. If you see Loyd, dial 911, or call 407-423-TIPS. he is armed and considered to be extremely dangerous.
In a related matter, one of the officers involved in the search for Loyd was involved in a car accident. He was on a motorcycle at the time and sustained fatal injuries.
Mayor Buddy Dyer has named today an official day of mourning.
