Accused Orlando Cop Killer: Captured

ORLANDO, FL — The Orlando Police Department has announced the arrest of the man accused of gunning down one of its officers last week. Markeith Loyd's capture was announced via Twitter Tuesday evening.

Loyd, 41, is accused of shooting and killing Orlando Master Sgt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9. Loyd had been a wanted fugitive since Dec. 13 when he was accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, 24, and wounding her brother.

Clayton, 42, was a 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department. She was gunned downed after police say she encountered Loyd at a Walmart store off John Young Parkway.

Chief John Mina said Clayton was at a Walmart around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 9 when a shopper told her Loyd was inside the store. Clayton reportedly called for backup to help her at the John Young Parkway and Princeton Street location, but then obtained visual confirmation of Loyd for herself. Police say she chased after Loyd and ordered him to stop.

Mina said Loyd did not stop but opened fire instead. Clayton fired back but did not hit him. It has since been announced that authorities believe Loyd was wearing body armor at the time.

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Clayton was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, but the mother of one, succumbed to her injuries at 7:40 a.m. Jan. 9, Mina reported.

Shortly after Clayton was shot, Orange County motorcycle deputy Norman Lewis was struck and killed by a motorist while responding to the manhunt for Loyd.

Monday marked a week since the deaths occurred with Loyd remaining elusive. On Tuesday, Orlando police released a digitally enhanced photo of Loyd that shows what he would look like if he altered his appearance to avoid capture. The U.S. Marshals Service also added Loyd to its top 15 most-wanted fugitive list on Tuesday. That federal agency upped the reward for Loyd's capture to $125,000, as well.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department