Richmond Police Officer shot in line of duty will be taken off life support, department says
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Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, who was shot in the head during a traffic stop August 10, will be taken off life support later today, according to a release from the department.
In a release, the department said despite efforts from doctors at Miami Valley Hospital, Burton’s injuries have been determined to be unrecoverable.
>>Richmond officer third local officer shot in line of duty in less than a month
Now, her family is saying their goodbyes.
For weeks, Officer Burton has been fighting for her life at Miami Valley Hospital since she was shot and flown there.
The department said that Burton will continue to live on with her selfless gift of organ donation.
News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott says final arrangements for Burton will be released in the following days.
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“The incredible outpouring of support has been truly hearting warming,” Officer Burton’s family said in a statement.
There will be a procession later today to take Officer Burton from Dayton back to Richmond, Indiana.
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On August 10, Burton was responding to a call from other officers to assist with a traffic stop in the area of North 12th Street and C Street in Richmond.
During the traffic stop, Burton’s K-9 partner was used to conduct an open-air sniff around the moped and indicated the possible presence of narcotics, according to police.
The suspect was identified by police as 47-year-old Phillip Matthew Lee of Richmond.
While officers were speaking with Lee, he allegedly pulled a firearm and fired several rounds toward officers, police said.
Burton was struck by the gunfire and flown to Miami Valley Hospital.
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Officer Burton is 28 years old and a four-year veteran of the Richmond Police Department.
Story continues
Photo by Brandon Lewis (Staff)
Photo by Brandon Lewis (Staff)
Photo by Brandon Lewis (Staff)
Burton was seriously injured Wednesday after being shot during a traffic stop
Burton was seriously injured Wednesday after being shot during a traffic stop