Ohio police have identified the 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 who opened “significant gunfire” on law enforcement officers 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 approached the scene. An on-duty officer alerted authorities after hearing gunshots over the police radio.
One Officer Killed, Two Wounded in Gunfire Exchange
Three Lorain police officers were shot during the intense exchange of gunfire. The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of them, 35-year-old Officer Phillip Wagner, died in the hospital from his injuries.
“Officer Wagner, only 35 years old, gave his life in service to his community,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, in addition to being a dedicated officer. His absence will be felt deeply by everyone who knew and served with him.”
The two other officers who were wounded in the ambush are still in the hospital.
Gunman Killed, Explosives Discovered
Michael Parker was shot and killed in the firefight. Police said a search of his vehicle, which was parked at the dead end of River Bend Drive, turned up multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a large cache of loaded magazines.
Police also discovered suspicious bags inside the vehicle, prompting the Lorain County Bomb Squad to respond. Technicians later discovered a “significant quantity of improvised explosive materials,” which were safely removed and destroyed using controlled detonation.
Fallen Officer Remembered as Hero, Family Man
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Officer Wagner was a Marine Corps veteran who had worked for the Lorain Police Department for three years. He previously worked four years for 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.
