Alleged Cop Killer Markeith Loyd Captured After 9-Day Manhunt: 'We've Got Him!'

By Deborah Hastings

First Published: 6:58 PM PST, January 17, 2017

Markeith Loyd was wanted for the killings of a police officer and his pregnant ex-girlfriend, authorities said.

A Florida man wanted for the killings of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer was captured Tuesday night after a nine-day manhunt.

Markeith Loyd, 41, was wearing body armor and carrying two handguns when police arrested him outside a Lescot Lane house, authorities said during a nighttime press conference Tuesday.

Read: Man Wanted for Murdering Cop Was Already on the Run for Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend

"We've got him!" the Orlando Police Department declared on its Twitter account.

We've got him! Markeith Loyd in OPD ICustody. Details to come. Media: stand by for details on press conference. pic.twitter.com/SVjFUEvNak
January 18, 2017

The fugitive dropped his weapons, one of which carried a high-capacity drum capable of holding 100 rounds, Orlando police officers said, but then resisted arrest.

A disheveled-looking Loyd was captured on news camera video being rustled inside police headquarters while shouting, "They beat me up! They beat me up!"

Police Chief John Mina told reporters that dozens of officers swarmed the home after learning Tuesday afternoon that Loyd might be visiting the dwelling in the evening.

Loyd initially tried to escape through a back sliding glass door, but eventually exited the front of house and threw down his guns when confronted by police, Mina said.

No shots were fired.

This community has been emotionally impacted by these events. They will sleep better tonight. @OrangeCoSheriff Demings pic.twitter.com/rYBhCG5hCb
January 18, 2017

Loyd has been wanted since December 13, when officers say he shot and killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, 24, and injured her brother, who tried to help her.

He allegedly killed Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton on January 9, when she tried to take him into custody, Mina said.

Clayton’s handcuffs were placed on Loyd’s wrists during his arrest, a department tradition that “goes back many years,” Mina said.

"To put her handcuffs on the bad guy... is meaningful to her family and to her law enforcement family," the chief said.

These are Lt. Debra Clayton's handcuffs. Markeith Loyd was placed in these when he was arrested. pic.twitter.com/3TKs9nw2lu
January 18, 2017

Mina called Clayton’s widower immediately after the arrest, he said.

"He was relieved and happy, and also upset to know he was arrested right around the corner from Debra’s mother’s house" Mina said.

Markeith Loyd was wearing body armor when he was apprehended. And had these guns in his possession. pic.twitter.com/eoDAo8Xg2S
January 18, 2017

He said Loyd’s capture was not the result of a tip — despite a reward that had risen to $125,000 Tuesday — but rather an example of “great police work.”

Read: Man Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Suspected Cop Killer Markeith Loyd After Murder of His Pregnant Ex

"Woo, yeah, they got him," nearby resident Tina James told the Orlando Sentinel. "If you can kill a police officer, who else will you kill? Really!"

Mina had flashed a smile as Loyd shouted to reporters that he had been beaten, the paper reported.

"The injuries looked minor to me," the chief said.

Watch: Man Wanted for Killing Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend Now Accused of Killing a Cop