Suspect in Daytona Beach cop shooting is ‘gun-toting ‘Black Militia’ man’ as officer clings to life in hospital

POLICE say a man who shot a cop in the head during a routine pull-over had links Black Militia groups including the New Black Panthers.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood said gun-loving Othal Wallace, 29, “was going to try to kill” any officer he encountered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

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Daytona Beach Police Department released Othal Wallace’s mugshotCredit: Daytona Beach Police Department

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His car was identifiable in the police footageCredit: Daytona Beach PD

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Shots rang out as the officer approached Wallace’s carCredit: Daytona Beach PD

The victim Jayson Rayner is currently fighting for his life in hospital while his colleagues continue to hunt down the “coward” suspect.

Police say they are monitoring a Facebook page called “O-Zone Wallace” that appears to show photos of the suspect and gives his birth date.

The account features a picture of a man, believed to be the suspect, holding AK-47 and AR-15 rifles.

Investigators say the account shows a connection with militia groups including NFAC Black Militia, the New Black Panther Party and the Huey P. Newton Gun Club Alabama Chapter.

Authorities did not confirm whether the page belonged to Wallace.

“I think this was going to happen. In my opinion any cop that stopped him was going to get it, he was going to try to kill,” Sheriff Chitwood said.

“This poor kid (the officer) just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The alleged shooter has been on the run since the attack on Wednesday which left the cop “fighting” for his life in hospital where he had to undergo surgery.

In the body cam clip, the officer can be seen approaching Wallace’s 2016 Honda HRV and asking if he lived in the area, before he replied: “Come on now, come on now. Don’t do this.”

When the Florida cop tried to put his hands on Wallace, a struggle ensued and rapidly escalated as a gunshot rang out – and the officer fell.

Wallace’s mugshot and registration were released and a $100,000 reward was issued for any information that could lead to his apprehension.

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A struggle ensued within seconds and a gunshot rang outCredit: Daytona Beach PD

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Cops said he was driving a 2016 Honda HRV

“Other officers arrived shortly afterward to the scene, finding the officer who was shot lying on the ground,” police said in a statement.

“Paramedics took the officer to Halifax Health Medical Center for treatment. He is now out of surgery and remains in critical condition.”

“We are not releasing the officer’s identity at this time. Please keep him and his family in your prayers,” it continued. “A multi-agency manhunt for Wallace is now underway.”

Chitwood confirmed Wallace is “armed & dangerous” and said “please keep the @DaytonaBchPD officer and family in your prayers.”

On Wednesday, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young told reporters the officer was rushed to the Halifax Health Medical Center.

He has to get surgery and Volusia County remained under lockdown.

Young said: “This entire county is on lockdown until we track this coward down.

“So I’m grateful for every agency that’s responded over here tonight to help us as they’re committed to staying out here until we get this coward in custody.”

Yesterday morning, Young tweeted: “No change in the status of my hero who was shot in the line of duty last night. He’s fighting while all of us are praying

“The manhunt continues for the coward responsible for this…..”

Chitwood told Newsweek the officer remains in hospital in a “grave condition.”

Later, Daytona Beach Police Department wrote: “Due to the officer involved shooting last evening, we are sure you will understand that the food distribution event we were hosting tomorrow is being postponed.

“We will announce a new date in the future. Please continue to keep our fallen officer and his family in your prayers.”

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“A $100,000 reward is now available for anyone who can help authorities locate the man who shot one of our officers in the head earlier this evening,” cops said.

“The man we’re looking for is located in the video below. His name is Othal Wallace. He’s 29 years old.

“Othal Wallace may be in a gray 2016 Honda HRV with a California tag of 7TNX532. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911 immediately.”