Authorities in Ohio have identified the police officer killed in a deadly ambush, as well as the suspect who opened fire on responding officers in Lorain on Wednesday afternoon.
The Elyria Police Department confirmed Thursday that 28-year-old Michael Parker was the gunman responsible for unleashing “significant gunfire” on law enforcement officers who were responding to a report of shots fired on River Bend Drive.
According to Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, Parker opened fire with a high-powered rifle as officers arrived on the scene. The initial alert came from an on-duty officer who heard gunshots broadcast over the police radio.
One Officer Killed, Two Wounded in Gunfire Exchange
During the intense exchange of gunfire, three Lorain officers were shot. One of them—35-year-old Officer Phillip Wagner—later died from his injuries at the hospital, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
“Officer Wagner, only 35 years old, gave his life in service to his community,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement. “He was not only a dedicated officer, but a husband, father, son, brother, and friend… His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and served alongside him.”
The two other officers wounded in the ambush remain hospitalized.
Gunman Killed, Explosives Discovered
Michael Parker was shot and killed during the firefight. Police said a search of his vehicle, parked at the dead end of River Bend Drive, revealed multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a large cache of loaded magazines.
Authorities also discovered suspicious bags inside the vehicle, prompting the Lorain County Bomb Squad to respond. Technicians later uncovered a “significant quantity of improvised explosive materials,” which were safely removed and destroyed through a controlled detonation.
Fallen Officer Remembered as Hero, Family Man
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Officer Wagner was a Marine Corps veteran and had served three years with the Lorain Police Department. He previously spent four years with the Sheffield Village Police Department.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
The Elyria Police Department is leading the investigation into the ambush.
