Seara Burton: Indiana police officer, 28, dies 5 weeks after getting shot in the head while busting drug-related crime
RICHMOND, INDIANA: After being shot in the head during a traffic stop in August, Indiana police officer, Seara Burton died on the night of September 17 in the presence of her family, as confirmed by the Richmond Police Department.
The K-9 officer showed faint signs of life after getting shot in the head but finally died from the wound. In a statement released by the police department, Burton, 28, was hailed as a noble servicewoman to the force. “Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside Officer Seara Burton's family, colleagues, loved ones and the Richmond community she so nobly served. Officer Burton dedicated four years and her life to the Richmond Police Department and lived the oath she took to serve and protect to the fullest.” On the evening of August 10, Burton was shot in the head by Phillip Lee, 47, during a traffic check for suspected drug use. She and Sierra Neal were scheduled to get married nine days later. Several police vehicles preceded and followed Burton's Hearse in a parade that was led by the police department on Monday in front of the hospital. As Burton's remains were returned to Dayton, residents, medical workers, and law enforcement stood in a line on the sidewalk to honor her.
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In August, the Richmond Police Narcotics Unit observed Lee stop at a garage where they suspected a narcotics transaction may be occurring and dispatched Seara Burton to the 200 block of North 12th Street. Lee and his car were subjected to an open-air smell test by Burton and her K9 Brev. Lee pulled out his firearm and shot Burton many times after the K9 alerted him to the presence of drugs. The police then shot Lee after he had escaped. He was accused of methamphetamine possession as well as attempted murder and criminal gun possession.
Burton was flown to Miami Valley Hospital, but the Richmond Police Department reports that on September 1 she was taken off life support when it was determined that her injuries were unrecoverable. The fallen police officer was rolled out of her bed with a flag draped over her body as hospital personnel and law enforcement officials gathered for an honor walk. While others lined up to pay their respects, Burton's K9 led the procession. Later on, she was moved to another location where her organs were donated.