Search launched for suspect after Orlando police officer shot, killed

Murder suspect Markeith Loyd also wanted in shooting of OPD officer

Markeith DaMangzlo Loyd

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man wanted in connection with the slaying of his pregnant ex-girlfriend is being sought in connection with the Monday shooting of an Orlando police officer.

A massive manhunt is underway in Orlando for Markeith Loyd, 41, who was spotted Monday morning fleeing in a vehicle from the Walmart near Princeton Avenue near John Young Parkway, where the Orlando officer was shot, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said.

Recommended Videos



The deputy saw Loyd at North Lane and Pine Hills Drive, and Loyd pulled into a nearby apartment complex and opened fired at the deputy, striking his unmarked SUV twice, officials said. The deputy was not injured.

Loyd then carjacked a vehicle and took off, deputies said. He later abandoned the vehicle near the intersection of Rosemont and Cinderlane Parkway, where a manhunt is underway, officials said.

Authorities said Loyd should be considered armed and dangerous.

"We are asking the public to assist us with his whereabouts," the Sheriff's Office said. "However, we ask the public not to approach him and call 911 instead."

The Orlando officer was taken to a hospital. The officer's name and condition have not been released.

Several law enforcement officers swarmed the area, and Orlando police said motorists should avoid the area. 

Officers were spotted carrying assault rifles at several intersections in the area.

Investigators placed evidence markers in the Walmart parking lot, but details about the shooting have not been released.

Fifteen schools in the Pine Hills area are locked down because of the search.

Orange County Public Schools said all students and staff are safe.

Law enforcement agencies in Central Florida sent condolences to the Orlando Police Department after the shooting.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with are brothers and sisters at OPD," Kissimmee police tweeted.

"Our prayers are with @OrlandoPolice, Officer shot. Follow @OrlandoPolice for full and accurate updates," Lakeland police tweeted. 

"The Lake County Sheriff's Office would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters at Orlando Police Department," LCSO tweeted.

"Prayers for @OrlandoPolice as they deal with an officer who has been shot and another officer on a motorcycle involved in a crash," Edgewood police tweeted.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters in blue at the Orlando Police Dept. #ODP #orlando," Oviedo police tweeted.

"We are praying for the @OrlandoPolice officer shot this morning. We support you through this tragedy and senseless act of violence," Sanford police tweeted.

"Keeping our friends at @OrlandoPolice in our thoughts and hearts (Monday) morning," UCF police tweeted.

Go to KSAT 12's sister station by clicking here ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.