Richmond Police Officer shot in line of duty to be taken off life support, department says

RICHMOND — Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, who was shot and wounded during a traffic stop earlier this month will be taken off of life support today, according to a release from the department.

In a release, the department said despite efforts from doctors at Miami Valley Hospital, Burton’s injuries have been determined to be unrecoverable.

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The department said that Burton will continue to live on with her selfless gift of organ donation.

Final arrangements for Burton will be released in the following days.

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On August 10, Burton was responding to a call from other officers to assist with a traffic stop in the area of North 12th Street and C Street in Richmond.

During the traffic stop, Burton’s K-9 partner was used to conduct an open-air sniff around the moped and indicated the possible presence of narcotics, according to police. The suspect was identified by police as 47-year-old Phillip Matthew Lee of Richmond.

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While officers were speaking with Lee, he allegedly pulled a firearm and fired several rounds toward officers, police said. Burton was struck by the gunfire.

Burton was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in “very critical condition.”

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Since then, Burton remained in critical condition.

The community and fellow law enforcement officers gathered to show their support for Burton and her recovery.

“The Richmond community has truly proven that it is a community that cares. They stepped up more than anybody could have expected,” Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt previously told News Center 7. “They’re providing for Officer Burton and their police department in ways that I never dreamed possible.”

Burton is a 28 years old and a veteran of the department for four years.

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