LORAIN, OHIO – A quiet Wednesday afternoon in Lorain was shattered on July 23, 2025, when three police officers were ambushed and shot in a violent attack that has left the community reeling. The Lorain County Coroner’s Office identified the gunman as 28-year-old Michael Parker, a Lorain resident who was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.
The incident, described by authorities as a deliberate and planned ambush, unfolded just after 1 p.m. on River Bend Drive, a dead-end street off Colorado Avenue in an undeveloped industrial area. Officers Phillip Wagner, 35, and Peter Gale, 51, were parked side by side in their patrol vehicles, eating lunch, when Parker opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Officer Brent Payne, 47, was shot multiple times after responding to their call for help.
The attack was swift and intense. Wagner and Payne sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where they remain in critical condition. Gale, shot in the hand, was treated at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and is expected to recover. Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing described the scene as chaotic, with officers rushing the wounded to hospitals in patrol vehicles while providing immediate wound care.
Parker, armed with an arsenal of high-powered rifles, handguns, and numerous loaded magazines, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether his death resulted from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound. The Lorain County Bomb Squad discovered a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials in Parker’s vehicle, which were safely disposed of through a controlled detonation. His home on North Lakeview Boulevard was searched for over five hours, with police using drones and breaking an upstairs window to ensure safety.
Little is known about Parker’s background or motives. Neighbors described him as a quiet individual who lived with his parents in a tidy, two-story brick home along Lake Erie. He was often seen walking the family dog but rarely engaged in conversation or socialized. Authorities are investigating his past, including social media activity and recent purchases, to uncover any potential warning signs or reasons for the attack.
The Lorain community is grappling with shock and grief. “This is a tragic day in the city of Lorain,” said Mayor Jack Bradley during a press conference at MetroHealth. “We love our Lorain police officers. I consider them the best in the state of Ohio, and we have support not only in the city of Lorain but also across the state.” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Senator Jon Husted have offered their support, emphasizing the bravery of the officers and the need for community unity.
The investigation, led by the Elyria Police Department with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, is ongoing. Authorities believe Parker acted alone, and there is no current threat to public safety. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police noted this was the first major officer-involved shooting in Lorain in 70 years, highlighting the rarity and impact of such an event.
As Lorain mourns, residents have placed candles, blue ribbons, and notes outside the police department and near the shooting site. Lorain City Schools closed on July 24 and 25, and vigils are being planned to honor the officers. Community members, like local resident John Keaney, who stood outside MetroHealth with an American flag and a “Back the Blue” banner, are showing solidarity. “They have a target on their back all the time, and people take their services for granted,” Keaney said.
The motive behind Parker’s actions remains under investigation, but the bravery of Officers Wagner, Gale, and Payne shines through. As Lorain unites in support of its wounded heroes, the city faces a long road to healing, strengthened by the courage and resilience of its law enforcement and community.