Deputy dies in hunt for suspected cop killer

ORLANDO — An Orlando police sergeant was shot and killed Monday after approaching a suspect wanted for questioning in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. A second law enforcement officer was killed in a motorcycle crash during the massive manhunt for the suspect.

More than a dozen schools were placed in lockdown during the manhunt, and authorities offered a $60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Markeith Loyd, the 41-year-old wanted in the killing of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton.

Officials focused their manhunt on an apartment complex in northwest Orlando, and dozens of residences were searched. Residents who were evacuated from their homes sat on a sidewalk along a street with heavily armed officers and deputies.

Clayton, 42, was killed outside a Walmart in Orlando early Monday, and Orange County Sheriff ’s Office Deputy First Class Norman Lewis was killed in a crash while responding to the search for Loyd.

Authorities said Loyd previously was a suspect in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December.

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said deputies had been searching unsuccessfully for Loyd for several weeks and believe he was receiving help from someone. Demings urged Loyd to turn himself in peacefully.

“If we have to go in after him, then that jeopardizes and puts at risk the safety of law enforcement officers,” Demings said.

Police Chief John Mina lauded Clayton, a 17-year veteran of the force as a “committed” officer and “a hero” who gave her life to the community she loves. The Orlando Police Department said in a tweet that Clayton always had a smile and a high five for every child she came across. She was married and had a college-aged son.

While at the Walmart Monday morning, Clayton was tipped off by someone that Loyd was in the area. When she approached him, he fired multiple shots, Mina said.

Lewis was killed more than two hours after the shooting when a van collided with his motorcycle as he responded to the manhunt. Demings described the 35-year-old as “a gentle giant” who joined the agency 11 years ago.