You 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 pic.twitter.com/MddA3bbPdW
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 18, 2017
Markeith Loyd, the suspected murderer of Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton has finally been captured and arrested after a nine day search.
Loyd was found at his abandoned home on Lescot Lane in Carver Shores, Florida on Tuesday night around 7:00 PM.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina attributed his arrest solely to excellent investigative work by his officers. Mina said that not one of the hundreds of Crimeline tips paid off despite a $100,000 reward for information.
Loyd is accused of murdering Master Sgt. Clayton after she approached him at an Orlando Wal-Mart. Loyd was on the run from police after having allegedly murdered his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon.
Police arrived ready for a shootout, but fortunately no shots were fired. Partnered with a SWAT team and multiple law enforcement agencies, Orlando Police officers surrounded Loyd’s abandoned home where he tried to escape through a sliding glass door. Loyd was wearing tactical body armor and carried two loaded handguns, one of which was equipped with a 50 round drum magazine.
Loyd sustained numerous injuries to his face while resisting arrest. While being led into police headquarters he was heard screaming “They beat me up!”
These are the weapons found by @OrlandoPolice when they captured Markeith Loyd. Latest at 10 pm on TV 27. pic.twitter.com/ZmSCqaaaGl
— Jorge Estevez (@JEstevezWFTV) January 18, 2017
Chief Mina discussed his arrest with ABC News, “We knew he had body armor, we obviously knew he had weapons and obviously not afraid to use those weapons, and I thought this would end up in a much different situation. We’re very excited a cop killer and someone who’s wanted for the murder of Sade Dixon is off the streets.”
In a moment of poetic justice, the arresting officer placed Loyd in Master Sgt. Clayton’s handcuffs. “Debra Clayton risked her life for this community that she loved so dearly. So to put her handcuffs on the bad guy she was trying to catch when she was killed, is just significant and meaningful,” said Chief Mina.
Immediately after arresting Loyd, Chief Min contacted Master Sgt. Clayton’s husband. “He was relieved and happy, but upset to learn (Loyd) was arrested around the corner from Debra’s mom’s house,” Mina said.
Cheif Mina simply smiled as Loyd was led inside. “I was extremely happy that this dangerous person was off the streets,” he said. “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the entire week and many of the officers I spoke to tonight actually broke down in tears. They felt like they were finally able to cry and to weep because it was over.”
The family and friends of his murdered ex-girlfriend cheered upon learning of Loyd’s arrest. “A burden just lifted off my chest. I can probably sleep tonight,” said Stephanie Dixon-Daniels, Sade’s mother.
JUST IN: Sade Dixon's mom reacts to arrest of Markeith Loyd. Dixon shot/killed in December, was pregnant @wftv pic.twitter.com/pYfOQlw4ao
— Daralene Jones (@DJonesWFTV) January 18, 2017
Loyd successfully evaded police for more than a week with the assistance of three people including his niece and a different ex-girlfriend. All three people were arrested and charged as accessories.
Police Chief Mina believes others were involved and is confident that there will be more arrests coming over the next few days.