Scott, Dyer thank officers for relentlessness in Markeith Loyd manhunt

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday evening thanked Orlando police, Orange County deputies and Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents for their “unrelenting focus” in their search for the man accused of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police sergeant.

Loyd is accused of killing Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9 after having slain Sade Dixon on Dec. 13.

Raw: Markeith Loyd's perp walk

“Local, state and federal law enforcement have been working around the clock to capture the suspect to ensure no other innocent people were harmed,” Scott wrote in a statement. “He will now be held to the fullest extent of the law.”

Investigators captured Loyd Tuesday evening at an abandoned home near Raleigh and Conley streets in Orlando’s Carver Shores neighborhood.

Raw: News conference on Markeith Loyd's arrest

“It is sickening that anyone would commit senseless violence against our brave first responders,” Scott said. “Ann and I continue to pray for the families of the fallen heroes and hope today’s news provides some relief."

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city’s streets are now safer.

Related story: Sade Dixon: Slain pregnant woman’s mother reacts to Markeith Loyd’s arrest

“I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of OPD and all the law enforcement agencies involved for taking this dangerous criminal off the streets of our city,” Dyer said. “Our officers never gave up, our residents provided tip after tip and tonight we can feel some relief that justice will be served.”

Dyer called Clayton and Orange County Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, who died the same day while responding to the manhunt, heroes whom the community will never forget.

Related story: CAPTURED: Accused police killer Markeith Loyd arrested, police say

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