Ohio Police Officer Dies After Being Shot in Ambush; Two Others Injured

Tragedy struck in Lorain, Ohio, on Wednesday when police Officer Phillip C. Wagner was shot and killed in what authorities are describing as an ambush. At approximately 1:05 p.m., Officer Wagner, who was 35 years old, was enjoying lunch in his patrol car alongside another officer when a gunman in a nearby vehicle opened fire.

Officer Wagner sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was subsequently transported to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. Two additional officers were injured during the incident: one sustained a gunshot wound to the hand while another was shot multiple times while responding to assist.

In a shootout that followed, the police fatally shot the gunman. Authorities have since identified him as Michael Parker, a 28-year-old resident of Lorain.

The investigation has been assigned to the Elyria Police Department due to the officer-involved nature of the shooting. Officer Wagner had served in the Marine Corps before joining the Lorain Police Department seven years ago.

Acting Police Chief Michael Failing expressed his condolences, stating that Officer Wagner’s contributions would never be forgotten. As part of the ongoing investigation, police discovered multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a significant amount of ammunition in Parker’s vehicle.

They also found a considerable quantity of improvised explosive materials. The motive behind the ambush remains unclear, and the investigation continues.

In honor of Officer Wagner, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, acknowledging his service and sacrifice for the community.