Additional Coverage:
Lorain, Ohio – Authorities have identified the gunman who ambushed and wounded three Lorain police officers Wednesday afternoon as 28-year-old Michael Parker. Parker died at the scene, and the Lorain County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. It remains unclear whether Parker was killed by return fire from the officers or if he took his own life.
The officers, identified as Phillip Wagner, 35; Peter Gale, 51; and Brent Payne, 47, were attacked with a high-powered rifle. Officers Wagner and Gale were parked in an undeveloped industrial area, reportedly eating pizza, when the ambush occurred.
Officer Payne was shot after responding to their call for help. Two of the officers sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in critical condition at a local trauma center.
The third officer suffered a gunshot wound to the hand.
Acting Police Chief Michael Failing confirmed that Parker was found with a large number of weapons, describing it as an “arsenal.” A search warrant was executed at Parker’s home, a two-story brick house he shared with his parents.
Neighbors described Parker as a quiet and solitary figure. One neighbor, Jody Burnsworth, recalled Parker as “an odd character,” noting his quiet demeanor and intense focus.
She mentioned that Parker had briefly worked at the post office within the past year but quit, reportedly finding the work too demanding. Burnsworth witnessed the police search of Parker’s home, which involved a tactical vehicle, a broken upstairs window, and the deployment of a drone.