An Orlando police officer was killed Monday and a manhunt is under way for the gunman who shot her, the Orlando Police Department said.
“The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today,” OPD tweeted along with video of the officer’s flag-draped casket. “One of our own was taken in the line of duty. There are no words.”
Authorities have identified the suspect as Markeith Loyd.
At least 17 nearby schools are on lockdown as the suspect remains on the loose, officials said.
A witness told CNN affiliate WFTV the shooting happened at a Walmart, and the gunman was wearing a security uniform.
“He walked by me, had a security vest and everything,” witness James Herman told WFTV.
“I was walking down the sidewalk, right past the officer, and I heard her tell him to stop, or whatever, and he shot her. He shot her down.”
Herman said the man continued to shoot behind him as he was running from the scene.