ORLANDO, Fla. — “We've got him!”
Those were the words tweeted out by the Orlando Police Department on Tuesday evening, confirming the arrest of accused killer Markeith Loyd.
Timeline: Markeith Loyd's Capture
Later, on Jan. 9, Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was fatally shot when she approached Loyd at a Walmart in Pine Hills after a customer had recognized him.
Raw: Witness describes shooting
For almost a month, authorities had labeled Loyd “armed and dangerous,” and when police found him at an abandoned home on the 1100 block of Lescot Lane near Raleigh and Conley streets in the Carver Shores area, that label rang true.
Police Chief John Mina said Loyd was wearing body armor and had guns in his possession when he was apprehended. Mina said one of the guns has a high-capacity drum.
Mina called Clayton's husband to notify him of Loyd’s arrest.
Photos: Master Sgt. Debra Clayton
Mina said Loyd was found alone. He said Loyd was located through investigative work, and that it was not one of the hundreds of Crimeline tips that led to Loyd’s capture.
By 9:38 p.m., Loyd was being taken from Orlando Police Headquarters to Orlando Regional Medical Center, for injuries he sustained during his arrest. Mina said Loyd resisted arrest.
Photos: Loyd taken from OPD headquarters to hospital
Orlando police later tweeted that Clayton “wore Badge #9 and we lost you on the 9th. 9 days later you were able to use your handcuffs one last time. RIP Lt Clayton.”
“Local, state and federal law enforcement have been working around the clock to capture the suspect to ensure no other innocent people were harmed and he will now be held to the fullest extent of the law. It is sickening that anyone would commit senseless violence against our brave first responders. Ann and I continue to pray for the families of the fallen heroes and hope today’s news provides some relief,” Gov. Rick Scott said.
Loyd will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated assault, police said.
Three people, including Loyd's niece, have been arrested and accused of helping the fugitive avoid capture.
Read those stories below:
- Affidavit: Man helped hide fugitive accused of killing, ex-girlfriend, OPD sergeant
- Third arrest made in connection with manhunt for police murder suspect
- Niece of alleged police killer knew his whereabouts, deputies say