• Home
  • About
    • Authors
  • Articles
    • Archives
    • Chaplain
    • Crime & Controversy
    • Community
    • Cop Humor
    • Editorial
    • Op-ed
    • Gear & Technology
    • Investigations
    • Laws & Legal
    • Leadership
    • News
    • Officer Down
    • On Duty
    • Tactics
  • Network
    • Illinois Network
    • Minneapolis Network
    • Tulsa Network
    • Wauwatosa Network
    • Learn more
  • Training
  • Officer Privacy
  • Jobs
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Law Officer
Law Officer
No Result
View All Result

Officer Seara Burton dies five weeks after being shot during traffic stop

The K9 handler passed away Sunday evening with family at her bedside

Seara Burton

Seara Burton (Indiana State Police)

September 19, 2022
Law OfficerbyLaw Officer
Share and speak up for justice, law & order...

September 19, 2022

RICHMOND, Ind. — Officer Seara Burton, a K9 handler with the Richmond Police Department in Indiana who was shot in the line of duty, has passed away, according to Chief Mike Britt.

The agency announced Burton’s passing late Sunday evening. She was surrounded by family at Reid Health at 9:59 p.m. as she succumbed to the injuries she sustained in August, WHIO reported.

The Richmond Police Department thanked the community for their support during a tumultuous time for Burton’s family, both blood and blue.

“We would sincerely like to thank the Richmond community, and those who have supported Seara, her Family, and the Department from near and far. Thank you to all of those who have shown unbelievable support throughout this very difficult time including the Dayton Police Department, The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Fire Department and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other agencies.”

Funeral arrangements are pending, according to Chief Britt.


Law Officer article, August 11, 2022

RICHMOND, Ind. — An Indiana police officer is in “very critical condition, fighting for her life” following a shooting during a traffic stop in Richmond, Indiana on Wednesday.

The Indiana State Police said Officer Seara Burton was assisting other officers during a traffic detention near 12th and C streets around 6:30 p.m. Burton and her K9 partner, Brev, were conducting an “open-air sniff” of a moped operated by Phillip M. Lee, said Richmond Police Chief Mike Britt. During the detention, K9 Brev alerted to the presence of narcotics, WTRH reported.

While officers spoke with Lee, 47, he reportedly pulled out a firearm and discharged several rounds toward officers. Burton, a four-year veteran of the department, was shot while other officers returned fire. Lee fled the scene on foot, but officers were able to chase down the wounded suspect and take him into custody.

Burton, 28, was rushed to a local hospital prior to getting airlifted to a medical facility in Dayton, Ohio, police said. She is listed in critical condition, according to reports.

Officers treated Lee for gunshot wounds before he was taken to Reid Hospital, Fox News reported.

The shooting unfolded during a traffic stop near North 12th Street and C Street in Richmond, Indiana, on Wednesday.
The shooting occurred during a traffic stop in Richmond, Indiana on Wednesday. (FOX59 Indianapolis WXIN)

“My officer is in very critical condition, fighting for her life,” Chief Britt told reporters Wednesday night. “Those of you who pray I ask that you pray for her because she could use it.”

The chief said Burton recently achieved the position of K9 handler and is engaged to be married next weekend.

🙏Prayers for the Richmond, IN police officer fighting for her life after being shot tonight during a traffic stop https://t.co/bwOqIO25oe pic.twitter.com/wq9bXsV4Aa

— National Police Association (@NatPoliceAssoc) August 11, 2022

A search of Lee’s criminal history revealed it dates back nearly three decades, beginning with a 1994 six-year sentence for burglary in Wayne County, FOX 59 reported.

Lee also served additional sentences on felony convictions for other burglaries and drug possession charges. Hence, he is a convicted felon and should not have been in possession of a firearm.

Furthermore, Lee was arrested in 2019 for fondling a child under 14, but that case never went to a jury trial.

At last check, he remains in the hospital being treated for his wounds, according to the news outlet.

Prior booking photo of Phillip Lee. (Image via FOX 59)

Indiana State Police is investigating the shooting at the request of the Richmond Police Department. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will ultimately decide what charges to file.


Share and speak up for justice, law & order...
Tags: indianamust-readRichmond Police DepartmentSeara Burton
Law Officer

Law Officer

Law Officer is the only major law enforcement publication and website owned and operated by law enforcement—for law enforcement and supporters of justice, law, and order. This unique facet makes Law Officer much more than just a publishing company, but a true advocate for the law enforcement profession.

Related Posts

Shane Osborne

Dad arrested after toddler seen playing with gun on live TV

January 17, 2023
California officer

Indiana mother and three children die in residential fire, police say

January 15, 2023

After ‘True-Life Grinch’ Steals Family’s Presents, Police Save Christmas

December 28, 2022
Indiana homeowner

Indiana man charged with making false criminal allegations against trooper

November 9, 2022
Richard Matthew Allen

Delphi murder suspect moved to secret location

November 8, 2022
Wisconsin officer critical

Indiana man killed after exchanging gunfire with home invasion robbery suspects

November 6, 2022
Load More

Latest Articles

Chicago officer ambushed

America is hemorrhaging from the heart, but there is a solution

January 28, 2023
Colinford Mattis

Ivy League-educated attorney who helped firebomb NYPD patrol car during riots sentenced to prison

January 28, 2023
Mohamed Ali Elmi

Major drug dealer busted with over 65,000 fentanyl pills in Twin Cities

January 28, 2023
Los Angeles

Police search for gunman after 3 killed, 4 critically wounded in Los Angeles shooting

January 28, 2023
Bahram Hojreh

California water polo coach sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting nine teenage athletes

January 28, 2023
David DePape

Paul Pelosi attacker David DePape makes incriminating phone call to San Francisco TV station

January 28, 2023
Load More

Weekly E-Newsletter

Subscribe—and get the latest news and editorials direct from Law Officer each week!

[newsletter_form type="minimal"]

JOIN THE FIGHT

BE COURAGEOUS

FIND MORE…

Law Officer

© 2021 LawOfficer.com

LawOfficer.com

  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Speak up for justice, law & order

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
    • Authors
  • Articles
    • Archives
    • Chaplain
    • Crime & Controversy
    • Community
    • Cop Humor
    • Editorial
    • Op-ed
    • Gear & Technology
    • Investigations
    • Laws & Legal
    • Leadership
    • News
    • Officer Down
    • On Duty
    • Tactics
  • Network
    • Illinois Network
    • Minneapolis Network
    • Tulsa Network
    • Wauwatosa Network
    • Learn more
  • Training
  • Officer Privacy
  • Jobs
  • Contact

© 2021 LawOfficer.com