Two law enforcement officers have been killed during a massive manhunt for a murder suspect in Orlando, Fla.

Master Sgt. Debra Clayton radioed from a Wal-Mart shortly after 7 a.m. Monday, saying she was "attempting to contact a murder suspect," according to a statement from the City of Orlando. Other officers radioed two minutes later, reporting that an officer had been shot. The 17-year veteran of the department died after she was transported to a hospital.

Police are seeking Markeith Loyd in the murder of a pregnant woman named Sade Dixon last month.

Loyd fled from the Wal-Mart and pulled into a nearby apartment building, where police say he fired shots at a sheriff's deputy but did not harm him. Loyd then allegedly stole a car and escaped.

This put a manhunt into motion for the suspect, described as "armed and extremely dangerous." During the search, authorities say, a sheriff's deputy riding a motorcycle was hit by a car and later died. The deputy has been identified as Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, an 11-year-veteran of the force.

"This is probably one of the toughest days for me in my career," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. "Because not only did we lose an Orlando police officer today, we lost an Orange County deputy sheriff as well who was traveling on his motorcycle as a result of these broad efforts that we have underway."

Law enforcement is "highly motivated to bring this suspect to justice," the sheriff said. There is a reward of up to $60,000 for information about the 41-year-old Loyd.

The Orlando Police Department says Clayton was married with a son. "She was extremely committed to our youth and really, the community," Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters. "And she did so many different projects in the community. She organized several marches against violence by herself — that's how committed she is."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office tweeted that Lewis was a "gentle giant" with a "million dollar smile."

In a statement, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said, "These tragic deaths make clear the great risks that our brave men and women in uniform face each and every day, and the deep and abiding gratitude that our nation owes them for their service." </s> Two Florida officers were killed Monday during a manhunt for a murder suspect who has been on the run since he was accused of fatally shooting a pregnant mother last month.

Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton was shot by the suspect, Markeith Loyd, after responding to a sighting of him outside a Walmart around 7:15 a.m. Monday, police chief John Mina told reporters. Clayton was a 17-year veteran of the force and didn’t survive her multiple gunshot wounds, despite other officers rushing to her aid shortly after, Mina said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office then responded to the scene, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told reporters. The suspect carjacked a vehicle and a high-speed car chase ensued, with the suspect firing at least one shot, Demings said.

A Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed in a resulting crash while traveling on his motorcycle, Demings said. The deputy has not yet been identified.

Loyd is accused of the Dec. 13 killing of Sade Dixon, 24, who was three months pregnant and was a mother of two.

Officials said the hunt continues for Loyd, who is believed to be armed and dangerous.

“We’re going to bring this dirtbag to justice and he’s going to go to jail,” Mina said at a news conference.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared Monday an official day of mourning. Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he was “heartbroken and angered” over the loss of lives. </s> FLORAL CITY, Fla. (AP) – Police have identified a man who was fatally shot by officers after he was suspected of firing a gun at a pipeline construction site and fleeing.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page that 66-year-old James Leroy Marker was killed on Sunday by officers after he shot and damaged a section of the Sabal Trail pipeline in north Florida.

The office says the pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Alabama to Florida, was damaged extensively.

Authorities say Marker fled after shooting the pipe and was eventually stopped by officers. The sheriff’s office says he “engaged with law enforcement” before being fatally shot.

Three Citrus County deputies have been placed on administrative leave while a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation occurs.

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> back to WFLA.com for more top stories </s> FLORAL CITY, Fla. (AP) — Police have identified a man who was fatally shot by officers after he was suspected of firing a gun at a pipeline construction site and fleeing.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page that 66-year-old James Leroy Marker was killed on Sunday by officers after he shot and damaged a section of the Sabal Trail pipeline in north Florida.

The office says the pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Alabama to Florida, was damaged extensively.

Authorities say Marker fled after shooting the pipe and was eventually stopped by officers. The sheriff’s office says he “engaged with law enforcement” before being fatally shot.

Three Citrus County deputies have been placed on administrative leave while a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation occurs. </s> (Reuters) - A man wanted for killing his former girlfriend fatally shot an Orlando, Florida, police officer on Monday, authorities said, prompting a manhunt and a reward of up to $60,000.

Helicopters buzzed the skies while scores of police shut streets and went door to door in their search for the suspect, identified as Markeith Loyd, 41. He was considered armed and dangerous.

An Orange County sheriff’s deputy in the manhunt for Loyd was killed in a collision between his motorcycle and a van, police said. The driver of the van was a 78-year-old man, according to local TV station News 6.

“We are bringing this dirt bag to justice,” Orlando Police Chief John Mina said of Loyd at a news conference, adding that federal agents had joined the search.

“We will track him down to the ends of the earth,” he told a later news conference.

Authorities said the slain officer, Master Sergeant Debra Clayton, was shot while responding to a sighting of the suspect at a local Walmart. Loyd fired at her and she returned fire, Mina said, adding that he did not believe Loyd was hit.

Loyd fled the shooting scene outside the store in a car and fired at a deputy who tried to the stop him, authorities said. The deputy was unharmed.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer declared a day of mourning after the officers’ deaths.

Authorities have been trying to capture Loyd in connection with the December murder of a pregnant woman who was once his girlfriend, the Orange County Sheriff’s office said.

Clayton, a decorated 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department, died at a hospital, the department said. Photos posted on social media showed her at community events, working to improve relations between police and residents.

“The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today,” the department said on Twitter, showing a video of officers escorting a U.S. flag-draped gurney.

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Local media said Clayton was one of the first officers to respond to the Pulse gay nightclub massacre in Orlando last June, the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history, where a gunman killed 49 people.

Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, an 11-year-veteran, was killed in the manhunt for Loyd, the Orange County Sheriff’s office said. Lewis, 35, once played football for the University of Central Florida. it said.

“Norm will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, gentle giant,” it said on its Facebook page. </s> Two sheriff’s deputies were shot and killed Thursday in a restaurant in Trenton, Florida, in what appeared to be an ambush, officials said.

The shooting occured at 3 p.m. at the Ace China restaurant when a man walked passed a window and shot both through the glass, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement made on behalf of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office.

“As fellow deputies responded to the scene, they found the shooter deceased outside the business,” the statement read.

The deceased deputies were identified as Sgt. Noel Ramirez, 30, and Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey, 25. The gunman was John Hubert Highnote, 59. – READ MORE </s> (CNN) One officer was a mother known for working with youth in the Orlando community.

The other was a hulking former college football player known as "Big Norm."

On Monday morning, Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, 42, was shot to death. A few hours later, Norman Lewis, a deputy first class with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, was killed in an vehicle accident while searching for Clayton's assailant.

The deaths are a double tragedy for a community still recovering from the Pulse nightclub shooting that left 49 dead in June.

"To lose two law enforcement officers on this Law Enforcement Officer Appreciation Day is indeed a tragedy," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said.

A candlelight vigil in their memory was held Tuesday evening in the Walmart parking lot where Clayton was killed. At police headquarters, Clayton's patrol vehicle was parked in front, next to a memorial wreath.

Here's what we know about the two officers:

Debra Clayton

Clayton was killed Monday morning while trying to arrest Markeith Loyd, a murder suspect, outside a Walmart, police have said.

She grew up in the Orlando area and had worked 17 years for the police department, police Chief John Mina said.

Clayton earned two degrees from the University of Central Florida, a bachelor's degree in public administration and a master's in criminal justice, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Her cousin, Jonathan Thomas, told the Sentinel that Clayton had long been interested in police work.

"It was her passion," he said. "She wanted to be a police officer so she could do good and get bad people off the streets."

Mina said Clayton devoted herself to helping youth.

This loss only strengthens our resolve to fight for justice. Sgt. Clayton grew up in this area and made it her life's work to protect it. pic.twitter.com/4r1ZVj5JLe — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

"She did so many different projects in the community.," he said. "She organized several marches against violence by herself."

Clayton was involved in Operation Positive Direction, he said. That's a youth mentoring program that helps middle and high school students "who face social, economic and academic challenges in an effort to set them on successful paths for their future," the city website said.

Sgt. Clayton was extremely active with @pkzorlando. She loved working with kids and they loved her too! Rest peacefully, Sarge. pic.twitter.com/Xfpm4ctiqP — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

"She personally traveled and mentored kids in this area and went on trips to Washington, D.C., and other parts of the country," Mina said.

"Debra Clayton is a hero," Mina said, "and she gave her life protecting the community that she loved."

One commendation Sgt. Clayton received in her 17 years at OPD. In this one, @ChiefJohnMina says "we can count on you to go that extra mile" pic.twitter.com/3RvSxRp5Da — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

Teresa Sokolovic said Clayton was a faithful friend, staying with her two days last year after Sokolovic had surgery.

"I didn't know anyone with a bigger heart," Sokolovic told the Sentinel. "She was an angel."

The funeral for Clayton is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Orlando.

Many have asked how they can help. There's a fund for Master Sgt. Clayton's family. This is the ONLY official fund. https://t.co/QfjYmY3nrg pic.twitter.com/ih2RQxurhI — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 10, 2017

Norman Lewis

Lewis was killed in an auto accident about 2½ hours after Clayton was shot. As a massive manhunt for the shooting suspect was underway, Lewis was driving a motorcycle when a motorist turned in front of him, Demings said.

Lewis had worked 11 years with the sheriff's department, mostly in the traffic division. He also graduated from the University of Central Florida, playing in the offensive line on the school football team from 2000-2003 and graduating in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice, CNN affiliate WFTV reported.

Orlando attorney Brian Sandor met Lewis while both were students at UCF. They remained friends.

"'Big Norm' was known as much for his infectious ear-to-ear smile as he was his 6-foot-3, nearly 300-pound towering frame," Sandor said. "His smile and laugh took over any room he was in."

Sandor said he would run into Lewis in the courtroom and other spots.

"I'll miss our time goofing off in court during recesses," Sandor said. "He always made long breaks fly by. However, what I will miss the most is my friend and a man who I knew was always ready to protect this entire community."

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of beloved Deputy First Class Norman Lewis. The 11-year-veteran died in a crash today. #RIP pic.twitter.com/LX5zN7JzLx — OCSO FL News (@OrangeCoSheriff) January 9, 2017

Kyle Israel, who played quarterback at UCF, posted his thoughts on Facebook:

"R.I.P. BIG Norm. You were always a great ambassador for the UCF football program and a guy teammates always loved! Can't believe catching up with each other two weeks ago was going to be the last time. You will be missed my friend."

Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol told WFTV that Lewis was a loyal officer.

"He did his job every day and I think the public needs to know whether it's doing mundane (tasks) or looking for the worst person possible, we are out there doing our jobs, and that's what he was doing," Montes said. </s> April 19 (UPI) -- A gunman shot and killed two Florida deputies while they were eating at a Chinese restaurant Thursday, the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office said.

The officers died while at the Ace China restaurant in downtown Trenton, Fla., at around 3 p.m.

According to the sheriff's office, a suspect walked up to the restaurant and shot both deputies through the window.

Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz identified the two officers as Noel Ramirez, 30, and Taylor Lindsey, 25.

"They were men of integrity. They were God-fearing, and they loved what they did. They gave their lives so we can all be safe. They just wanted to get something to eat. They just wanted to do their jobs," he said during a news conference Thursday evening. "I'm proud to have been their sheriff."

Fellow deputies responded to the scene after the shooting and found the shooter dead outside the building, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said.

"At this point, it remains an active criminal investigation with no apparent motive or indications as to why this tragedy occurred," the Alachua County Sheriff's Office said. "Sheriff Bobby Schultz has been on scene throughout the afternoon with his deputies and their families, notifying additional loved ones."

The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office urged citizens to avoid the area near the restaurant, adding no suspects are at large.

U.S. President Donald Trump offered condolences to the two deputies on Twitter Thursday.

"My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of the two [Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office] deputies (HEROES) who lost their lives in the line of duty today," Trump Wrote </s> Five people including the gunman were killed after a shooting broke out in the industrial area of Orlando in the United States of America on Monday. Shooter a disgruntled former employee, says police.

The incident reportedly took place in the workplace in, northeast of downtown in Orlando.

Initial reports from the local media suggest that the situation is under control as the cops have cordoned the area.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in a statement confirming the shooting incident said that the area has security forces have “stabilized” the crime scene and a more accurate picture will follow after the investigation.

Confirmed the multiple fatalities, Sheriff’s Office did not speak about the identity of the 5 killed including the gunman.

“OCSO working shooting scene that has stabilized. Multiple fatalities. Situation contained. Sheriff will brief as soon as info is accurate,” tweeted Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida.

Fox News reports that the CBI is on the investigation. There is no information of the identity or the motive of the shooter.

The shooting incident comes on the foot note after almost a year ago, Omar Mateen, an Islamic extremist massacre 49 people in Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
Two Orange County, Florida police officers are killed in connection with an apprehension attempt of a murder suspect.