(8-11-22) Phillip Lee (47) is accused of shooting Richmond (Indiana) K-9 police officer Seara Burton (28) last evening.

According to the Indiana State Police, the shooting occurred near 12th Street and C Street in Richmond at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Burton responded to a call from other officers to help with a traffic stop at North 12th Street and C Street. Burton found a moped driven by a male, identified as Lee.

ISP say Officer Burton’s K-9 partner Brev indicated the possible presence of narcotics sniffing around the moped.

While officers were talking with Lee, he pulled out a firearm and shot several rounds toward officers, that is when Officer Burton was struck.

Officers on the scene returned fire, striking Lee, before running away. After a short foot chase he was apprehended by officers.

Lee was transported to Reid Hospital in Richmond. He was arrested on probable cause.

Burton was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio for emergency surgery and is listed in critical condition.

Burton has been with the police department for four years and was recently promoted to the K-9 unit. Burton is engaged and is supposed to be married soon.

Richmond Mayor Dave Snow –

“Tonight our deepest thoughts and deepest prayers are with Officer Burton and her family.”

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