ORLANDO, Fla. — A private investigator said she traveled two hours from out of town to help track down Markeith Loyd, the man accused of shooting and killing an Orlando police sergeant Monday.
As the hunt entered its fourth day and Loyd's associates were arrested one by one, some are seeking the opportunity to cash in on the $100,000 reward money.
The investigator, who asked not to be identified, believes Loyd is still in the city.
Story: Markeith Loyd has long criminal history
Day two of the massive manhunt for Loyd came with an increase in reward money from $60,000 to $100,000.
Detectives hoped the cash would persuade someone to turn in the armed and dangerous fugitive
The reward money prompted the private investigator to get in her car and drive two hours to Orlando, hoping she can use her investigative skills to cash in.
“I am roaming in the same neighborhoods that he grew up in because he’s not going to leave. He can’t leave,” she said.
She figured he’s out of money and is still in Orlando.
Detectives have received more than 800 tips, and have moved in on various locations throughout Central Florida heavily armed but with no success.
The woman believes that because she does not wear a badge, she has a better chance of getting intel in Pine Hills.
So far, she’s approached all the families of Loyd’s arrested associates, offering help with bond money and legal aid.
Photos: Mug shots of people arrested in connection with Loyd
“I go up and say, ‘Listen, let me help your family.’ Whether they want my help or not is a whole other story,” said Loyd.
She is following active leads and said she has nothing to lose, but $100,000 to possibly gain.
“It’s like winning the lottery. You may or may not win, but you can’t win if you don’t play,” she said.
Channel 9 asked detectives if they encourage individual investigating or if it’s a safety concern.
Neither agency responded, but in a press conference Thursday, Orlando police chief John Mina encouraged the community to call Crimeline with information on Loyd’s whereabouts and to not approach him.
If someone does search for Loyd themselves, they’re only eligible for the Crimeline reward if they call Crimeline. No reward will be given for a 911 call.
Cox Media Group
