A huge manhunt is underway in Orlando for the gunman who shot dead a 17-year veteran police officer in the line of duty near a Walmart, as she was trying to apprehend the man who is suspected of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

Orlando Police Department Master Sgt. Debra Thomas Clayton, 42, died of her injuries suffered in the shooting that happened at the Pine Hills Walmart store early Monday morning, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said during a press conference.

'Debra Clayton is a hero, and she gave her life to protect the community she loves,' Mina said. 'She will be deeply missed.'

He added that she was one of the first officers to respond to the Pulse nightclub massacre on June 12.

The shooting happened just after 7:15am, as police say Clayton had been shopping in the store and was outside putting bags in the trunk of her car when someone told her that Markeith Loyd, a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, may have been inside the store.

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Orlando Police Department Master Sgt. Debra Thomas Clayton (left) died of her injuries suffered in the shooting the Pine Hills Walmart store. Markeith Loyd (right), 41, is the suspect accused in the shooting and police are still searching for him

Clayton (above) was a 17-year veteran of the police department, a wife and a mother to a son. Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Clayton, 42, is a 'hero'

Her flag-draped coffin (above) was removed from Orlando Regional Medical Center and was provided a police escort from the hospital

Police escorted Clayton's body from the Orlando Regional Medical Center (above)

The 17-year veteran was heading back into the store alone and had radioed in at 7:17am 'to say that she was attempting to contact a murder suspect,' Mina said.

She told the suspect to 'stop', but he immediately fired multiple shots at her before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

At 7:19am, officers radioed in to say she had been shot and the first responding officers on scene began CPR on Clayton. She was pronounced dead at 7:40am at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

While trying to flee, Loyd fired at another deputy in a SUV, who was not injured. Loyd then carjacked a vehicle before getting out of the vehicle and running off, police said.

Officials said Loyd was spotted at the intersection of North Lane and Pine Hills Drive by a deputy who followed him to a nearby apartment complex.

Loyd, 41, is considered to be armed and dangerous and police are asking anyone who knows his whereabouts to please call 1-800-423-TIPS.

Of Clayton (above left), Mina said: 'She gave her life to protect the community she loves.' He added that she was one of the first officers to respond to the Pulse nightclub massacre on June 12

A huge manhunt is underway for the gunman who is suspected of shooting dead Clayton near a Walmart early Monday morning (scene above)

The fatal shooting happened just after 7:15am on Monday at the store located on Princeton Street and John Young Parkway (scene above)

Authorities appear to be searching for him at an apartment complex near Cinderlane Parkway and Orange Blossom Trail.

Orlando police announced Monday afternoon that a reward of up to $60,000 is being offered for information leading to Loyd's arrest.

'We're going to bring this dirt-bag to justice, and he's going to jail,' Mina said of Loyd at the press conference. 'The community can be sure of that.'

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings announced during the same press conference more tragic news, as another law enforcement officer died.

Demings said that the deputy was hit by a car while on his patrol motorcycle as he was working a perimeter in search for the suspected gunman.

Authorities did not release the deputy's name, pending notification of his family members.

Master Sgt. Clayton was deeply committed to the community and to police work. pic.twitter.com/BBelv7Et1V — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 9, 2017

An Orlando Police crime scene technician photographs the scene on Monday where Clayton was shot

James Herman, a witness to the shooting, said that the gunman was wearing a security uniform and fired at least 12 times at Clayton (scene above)

Police and other law enforcement agencies are searching the nearby area for the suspect (above scene). He is considered to be armed and dangerous

Ten minutes after that fatal crash involving the Orange County deputy, about 200 yards away OPD Officer Robert Castro was involved in a crash that sent him to the hospital with minor injuries, Mina said.

'The Orlando Police Department family is heartbroken today. One of our own was taken in the line of duty. There are no words,' the Orlando Police Department tweeted along with a video showing the Clayton's flag-draped casket being put into a vehicle, as fellow officer saluted outside of the hospital.

'I'm declaring (Monday) an official day of mourning,' Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said.

James Herman, a witness to the shooting, told WFTV that the gunman was wearing a security uniform and fired at least 12 times at Clayton.

'(The shooter) was an average-looking dude, he walked by me, had a security vest and everything, Herman said.

Law enforcement officers hug as other officers, not seen, escort the body of the Orange County deputy that died in the line of duty on Monday

Florida Gov. Rick Scott bows his head and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, center, salutes as the body of an unidentified OCSO deputy is transported from Orlando Regional Medical Center after the deputy was killed while responding to the Clayton's fatal shooting

'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.'

Thirteen schools were locked down during the daytime due to the search of the suspect; but that is no longer in affect.

Aerial footage from WKMG shows several officers swarming the area, as some were spotted carrying assault rifles.

Loyd is also wanted in connection with the December shooting death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, 24 (above)

Loyd is also wanted in connection with the shooting death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, WFTV reported.

Sade Dixon, a 24-year-old pregnant mother-of-two, was shot to death outside of her home on December 13.

Authorities say Loyd, a convicted felon who has been arrested in Orange County 20 times since 1994, has been on the run since her death.

Dixon's brother, Ronald Steward, 26, was also shot and critically injured in the incident, as he was trying to help her, police said.

Loyd has served 10 years in prison and five years probation for conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine, according to federal court records.

Back in 1999 he was sentenced to prison and was released from probation in 2014.

A November post on his Facebook page says: 'Goals!!!! To be on Americas most wanted'.