Suspect accused of ambushing 3 Ohio officers had 'arsenal of weapons,' officials say
Share this @internewscast.com

A man with a firearm was reportedly ambushing on a secluded street in Ohio, where he opened fire and injured three police officers on Wednesday, according to officials.

The incident began when two officers had stopped their patrol cars to have lunch in an isolated industrial area in Lorain, a city located about 25 miles from Cleveland. A third officer, who arrived at the scene in response to their distress call, was also shot and critically wounded.

The two Lorain officers who were shot first have been named as Phillip Wagner, aged 35, and Peter Gale, aged 51. The third officer, who was responding to assist, was identified as 47-year-old Brent Payne.

Lorain suspect vehicle. WJW photo

The suspected gunman, who was “shot on scene,” has been identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker, according to the Lorain County coroner.

The incident unfolded just after 1 p.m. at a dead end of an industrial parkway off of Colorado Avenue in Lorain. Acting Police Chief Michael Failing told reporters Wednesday that the gunman was lying in wait at the location with an “arsenal of weapons” when he opened fire on the officers.

Police loaded the injured officers into cruisers and raced them to the hospital while providing wound care.

Wagner and Payne, who were shot multiple times, were airlifted to a Level I Trauma Center in Cleveland, and were still being treated on Wednesday evening, Failing said. Gale was shot in the hand and treated at a Lorain hospital.

An update on their condition has not been provided as of Thursday morning.

Elyria police are now investigating the shooting. Police Chief James Welsh told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the suspect ambushed the officers with a high-powered rifle. The officers then returned fire.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, though Welsh could not confirm whether the suspect was shot and killed by officers or whether he died by suicide.

Welsh said the man is believed to have acted alone.

The coroner tells Nexstar’s WJW that an autopsy will take place on Thursday.

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Maj. A.J. Torres also confirmed to WJW that authorities found explosives in the suspect’s car at the scene of the ambush. Suspicious items were also found and removed from the suspect’s home on North Lakeview Boulevard, officials confirmed Wednesday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Honduras Prepares for Tight Presidential Race Amid Unexpected Trump Influence

TEGUCIGALPA – As Honduras approaches its presidential election this Sunday, the nation…

Pope Concludes Turkey Visit, Sets Sights on Beirut to Inspire Hope Amid Lebanon’s Ongoing Challenges

ISTANBUL – Concluding his visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV is now…

Two Lanes Shut Down After I-81 North Accident in Bristol

A multi-vehicle accident has resulted in the closure of lanes on Interstate…

Unwrapping Joy: How Acts of Kindness Boost Wellbeing During the Holidays and Year-Round

WASHINGTON – As the holiday season approaches, it’s not only a time…

Experience the Magic: Johnson City’s Candyland Christmas Trees Illuminate the Holiday Season

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Saturday evening, the heart of Johnson…

Union High School Triumphs in Playoffs with Strong Community Backing

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) – Enthusiasm filled the air at Phil Robbins…

Trump’s Surprising Pardon of Ex-Honduran President Hernández Could Reshape U.S. Election Dynamics

TEGUCIGALPA – As Honduras gears up to elect its next president, the…

Vols Stunned by Vanderbilt in First Defeat Since 2018

The Tennessee Volunteers concluded their regular season in traditional fashion by facing…

Exciting Rivalry Week Showdowns Could Shake Up AP Top 25 Rankings

The closing week of the college football regular season saw traditional rivals…

Trump Calls for Closure of Venezuelan Airspace Amid Tensions: Maduro Decries ‘Colonial Threat

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Saturday, President Donald Trump declared that…

Venezuelan President Maduro’s Complex Strategy: Balancing Loyalty and Punishment

CARACAS – In a surprising twist of attitude, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,…

FC Alliance North Girls Triumph in State Championship Victory

A team from the FC Alliance North soccer club recently returned to…