'A worst-case scenario': Police officer seriously injured in Wednesday night shooting

RICHMOND, Ind. — A police officer and a Richmond man were seriously injured Wednesday during an exchange of gunfire near North 12th and C streets in Richmond, according to Richmond Police Chief Mike Britt.

Officer Seara Burton, 28, a four-year member of the Richmond Police Department who recently became a K9 officer, was fighting for her life Wednesday night, officials reported. Burton and Phillip M. Lee, 47, were taken to Reid Health, then Burton was flown by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, according to Indiana State Police. An initial report indicated both Burton and Lee were at Miami Valley.

"It's traumatic," Britt said of Burton's injury. "One of the things we've dealt with tonight is this is a worst-case scenario. There are secondary victims. I've got emotionally injured officers.

"It's been a battle here for a long time like any city in the state. Constant violence. Every day my people hold up and do a good job," he added.

Lee has been arrested on probable cause, according to the state police. He had not been booked at the Wayne County Jail by 2 p.m. Thursday.

The Indiana Department of Correction's online records list Lee, who has a long criminal history, as on parole. The records indicate he was released from incarceration Dec. 31, 2021, after being convicted in May 2018 of possession of a syringe and possession of a narcotic drug. His one-year sentence was enhanced by three years because he was adjudicated a habitual offender.

In addition to those convictions, Lee has previous felony convictions for escape, burglary, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, attempted burglary, auto theft, resisting law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia, according to case records. Lee also has previous misdemeanor convictions for resisting law enforcement, battery, possession of marijuana, perjury, driving without a license and leaving the scene of an accident.

Burton was called about 6:30 p.m. to assist with a traffic stop and located Lee riding a moped, according to the Indiana State Police, who took over the investigation. Lee was stopped in the 200 block of North 12th Street, and Burton's K-9 partner, Brev, indicated to the presence of a narcotics odor.

While officers spoke with Lee, he pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots at officers, according to the state police. Burton was struck.

Other officers fired back at Lee, who fled on foot. The state police said he was quickly captured and treated for gunshot wounds.

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“It’s a very heavy day," Mayor Dave Snow said at the scene Wednesday night. "First and foremost right now all of our thoughts and all of our prayers are with Officer Burton, her family and all of our officers, who are devastated by this. It goes without saying that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our city.”

In the residential area where the traffic stop and shooting took place, one neighbor watching the aftermath unfold Wednesday night said she had gathered her kids in the bathroom after hearing shots fired. Her daughter later went to a friend's house because she was afraid to stay at home.

Police tape blocked North 12th Street, and evidence markers dotted the ground. An RPD officer at the scene used a lockout tool to get Brev out of Burton's vehicle.

Portable lighting was eventually brought to the scene, including by Richmond Power & Light, so officers could continue their investigation after dark. The investigation also utilized a drone that flew over the roadway.

At midnight, state police officers searched among the illuminated residences on the west side of North 12th Street, just a block from the Wayne County Historical Museum. They remained at the scene for several more hours.

At the same time, many RPD officers' vehicles remained in the police station's parking lot, with a couple of small groups of officers conversing outside the Richmond Municipal Building. Britt said RPD's officers, who are devastated by Burton's injury, had pulled together Wednesday to support Burton and each other. Many offered their assistance at the scene.

Another four officers were on motorcycles heading to a function. When they learned of Burton's injury, they diverted to meet Burton at Miami Valley Hospital.

Snow said that Burton has supported the community and now needs the community’s support as she’s “in a difficult fight right now.” He and Britt asked that community members pray for Burton.

State Sen. Jeff Raatz, a Richmond Republican representing District 27, on Thursday released a statement also asking for prayers.

"It is with a heavy heart that I ask our community to return the care Officer Burton has granted us by keeping her wellbeing and family in our prayers," he said. "The selfless service to our community from officers like Seara Burton is what continues to allow Hoosiers to lead safe, fulfilling lives.

"I have long appreciated the sacrifice our local law enforcement and emergency personnel have made to protect Hoosiers, and will continue to admire their diligence and care for our community."

The Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union announced Thursday on its Facebook page that it is collecting donations for Burton and her family. Checks should be made payable to "Blue Angels," and Venmo information is available in the Facebook post.

A prayer vigil is also being organized for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the police station, 50 N. Fifth St. The Facebook event notice asks attendees to wear blue and carry supportive signs.

Burton, who is engaged to be married soon, is the stepdaughter of another RPD officer.

She is the second RPD officer to be seriously injured this year. Austin Adams sustained head injuries April 5 when he was pushed from the tank of a stolen semi-tractor trailer as the suspect drove away.

Adams has recovered from his injuries and returned to full duty. In fact, Britt said Adams was at Wednesday night's shooting scene.

The state police asks that anyone with information about Wednesday's incident call 765-778-2121.

Wednesday's shootings are the third and fourth in less than a month within a couple of north-side blocks.

Terill Devoni Strickland, 22, has been charged with Level 5 felony criminal recklessness in connection with the July 18 shooting of Brandon M. Pyle, 40. Pyle was shot in the back about 10 p.m. July 18 in the 1300 block of North C Street.

There has not yet been an arrest in the the July 10 shooting of Skyler A. Goodwin, 22. Goodwin was wounded in the left leg just before 4 p.m. in the 1300 block of North B Street.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Police officer, suspect seriously injured in Wednesday night shooting