One of the Lorain officers who were ambushed on July 23 has died according to acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing.
Officer Phillip Wagner, 35, was shot multiple times in the incident.
“Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten,” Failing said. “On behalf of the Wagner family, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out in support. Our department mourns the loss of a true hero and stands in unwavering support of Officer Wagner’s family, friends, and fellow officers during this heartbreaking time. We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as we come together to honor his memory, service, and ultimate sacrifice.”
Officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne were also shot.
According to Beacon Journal news partner News 5 Cleveland, Payne remains in serious condition. Gale is recovering after being shot in the hand.
The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker from Lorain. He was shot dead on scene.
What happened during the ambush?
Lorain Deputy Police Chief Michael Failing said in a press conference that the Lorain officers were patrolling the area of River Bend Drive at Colorado Industrial Park around 1 p.m. July 23 when they stopped to eat lunch.
They encountered a 28-year-old man from Lorain outside of his car, Elyria Police Chief James Welsh stated in a press conference livestreamed on News 5’s website.
The man began shooting at officers with a rifle while the officers remained in their patrol cars, injuring all three, leaving one in serious condition. Officers returned gunfire.
One officer who managed to get out of his car called for backup.
Two officers were flown by helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, the Lorain County sheriff and Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley confirmed, according to News 5. One was transported to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Welsh called the shootings an ambush. His department is handling the initial investigation for Lorain.
The Lorain County prosecutor and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) also are investigating the incident.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 1 of 3 Lorain police officers who were ambushed on July 23 has died, chief confirms
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
