Late Sunday night the Richmond Police Department announced Officer Seara Burton passed away five weeks after she was shot during a traffic stop.
The 28-year-old officer died at 9:59 pm, according to a statement from the department. She was surrounded by her family.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that Officer Seara Burton #140/K9-2 passed away at 9:59 p.m. tonight at Reid Health surrounded by her family. She succumbed to the injury she received in a criminal act that occurred on August 10th, 2022.”
Burton was shot in the head on August 10 after she and her K9 partner, Brev, responded to a traffic stop in Richmond, Indiana.
Following an open-air sniff, Brev alerted her to the possible presence of narcotics. While other officers were speaking to the suspect, the driver opened fired striking Burton.
The four-year veteran suffered a gunshot wound to her head.
She was immediately flown to Miami Valley Hospital where she underwent surgery.
Although Richmond Police Chief Michael Britt initially said Burton began showing some signs of responsiveness, on August 31 doctors determined she would not be able to recover from her injuries.
It was announced that the following day she would be taken off life support.
On September first she was draped with an American flag and led by Brev and RPD honor guard members through the hospital’s hallways on an honor walk.
As she was being prepped for potential organ donation Burton began breathing on her own. On September 3 she was moved to a hospice facility where she continued to fight for her life.
The police department continued to give nearly daily updates on Burton’s condition, though it rarely changed.
Unfortunately, their update on September 18 would be their last.
“Our hearts are shattered as we learn of the passing of Officer Seara Burton. Officer Burton fought like a warrior through every minute of this battle. Her endearing spirit, professional service, and shining personality will live with us for years to come,” Dave Snow, the mayor of Richmond said in a statement.
It’s never easy when a life is senselessly taken. I pray that Seara’s family, friends, and colleagues will find comfort with each other.
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