One of the three Lorain Police Department officers attacked in an ambush while having lunch has died.

“The Lorain Police Department is heartbroken to announce the line-of-duty death of Officer Phillip C. Wagner, who passed away surrounded by his family at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025,” according to a news release from the Lorain Police Department.

Wagner, 35, joined the Lorain Police Department in February 2022.

Prior to his service with Lorain police, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as the Sheffield Village Police Department.

From the very beginning of his career, Wagner was a respected and beloved member of our law enforcement family, the release said.

Known for his dedication, professionalism, and compassion, he exemplified the very best of what it means to serve and protect, the release said.

Wagner proudly served seven years in law enforcement, the release said.

Just two days before this tragic shooting, he achieved a significant milestone — earning his SWAT pin after a year of dedicated training and hard work, according to the release.

Despite the efforts of fellow officers, first responders and medical professionals, Wagner died of his injuries.

“Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten,” said Lorain acting police Chief Mike Failing said in the release. “On behalf of the Wagner family, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out in support.

“Our department mourns the loss of a true hero and stands in unwavering support of Officer Wagner’s family, friends, and fellow officers during this heartbreaking time. We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as we come together to honor his memory, service, and ultimate sacrifice.”

Information regarding funeral arrangements and opportunities for public remembrance will be shared in coming days, the release said.

The shooter

Authorities have released the identity of the man they say shot three Lorain Police Department officers who were having lunch July 23.

As Lorain police officers arrived on the scene of the ambush that left two officers critically injured and one with a serious injury, they were met with significant gunfire from Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain, according to a news release from the Elyria Police Department, which is investigating the incident.

Officers returned fire during the exchange, which resulted in Parker suffering a fatal injury.

“This incident has deeply impacted all of us in law enforcement,” said Elyria Police Department Chief James Welsh. “Our hearts are with the officers who were injured, their families, and the entire Lorain Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the agencies that responded swiftly and selflessly during this critical incident. The coordinated efforts of our regional law enforcement partners — including tactical teams, bomb technicians, patrol units and investigators — were instrumental in ensuring public safety, securing the scene and advancing this complex investigation.

“In moments of crisis, it’s the strength of our partnerships that carries us through.”

The shooting

The incident began at 1:04 p.m., when Lorain Police Department officers responded to a radio broadcast of shots fired by an on-duty officer in the area of River Bend Drive, according to a news release from Elyria police Capt. Bill Lantz.

Two of the Lorain police officers who were struck by gunfire by Parker were parked in their patrol cruisers eating lunch when they were attacked, the release said.

A third officer responded and was shot in the hand.

He’s since been treated and released.

The injured officers were transported to area hospitals.

Lorain police requested mutual aid prompting numerous law enforcement agencies, including tactical teams, responded and conducted a coordinated search of surrounding areas to confirm there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

Once the scene was secured, the Elyria Police Department Investigative Unit, with assistance from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, initiated an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Preliminary findings indicate that Parker had parked his vehicle near the dead end of River Bend Drive.

Located inside and around the vehicle were multiple high-powered rifles, handguns and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines, according to the release.

While securing the vehicle, law enforcement personnel saw suspicious baggage, raising concerns about possible explosive devices, the release said.

The Lorain County Bomb Squad was contacted.

Upon further inspection, bomb technicians discovered a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials within the vehicle, the release said.

The materials were safely removed and disposed of through a controlled detonation away from the crime scene.

Following this, BCI investigators began processing the scene and collecting evidence.

Initial analysis indicated that Parker fired a significant number of rounds during the course of the encounter.

Later that evening, investigators obtained a search warrant for Parker’s residence in the 1500 block of North Lakeview Boulevard in Lorain.

At 6 p.m., the Lorain County S.W.A.T. Team executed the warrant and bomb technicians cleared the property, confirming no explosive threats were present.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Elyria police Lt. Tom Wade at 440-326-1362 or wade@cityofelyria.org.

Investigators continue to develop evidence to determine information that may shed light on Parker’s motives for the shooting.

“The Elyria Police Department remains committed to working with our partnering agencies to ensure a complete and professional investigation,” the release said. “Updates will be provided as the case progresses.”

Community response

The mood of the city is sober and grim as news continues to trickle through the community.

A vigil took place July 23 outside City Hall following the event and another will occur again late July 24 in honor of the officers.

The organizers of the Lorain Lighthouse announced the lights will be dark blue beginning July 31 in support of the officers who were attacked.

“We are sending our thoughts, prayers and support to the 3 officers, their families and the Lorain Police Department,” the organizers stated on social media.

Meanwhile, City Hall remains closed until July 28 in light of the tragedy.

The digital sign in front of City Hall states, “In these difficult times, keep Lorain Police in your thoughts and prayers.”

Flags on City Hall property are being flown at half-staff.

“Today, our community was rocked by the tragic shooting of three officers from the Lorain Police Department,” said Lorain County Prosecutor Tony Cillo. “As a prosecutor, I work closely with law enforcement every day, and I’ve seen firsthand the courage, integrity and selflessness these individuals bring to the job.

“Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers police face in service of public safety. To every officer who puts on the uniform despite the risks: thank you. We stand with you.

“And to the families of the injured, our hearts are with you as you navigate the road ahead. We honor their service. We demand accountability. And most importantly, we commit to supporting our law enforcement partners as they heal and continue the vital mission of protecting our community.”

Lorain City Schools also issued a statement on the incident.

“We are heartbroken by the events unfolding in our city today,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with the Lorain Police Department, our first responders, and the families affected by this tragedy.

“Lorain City Schools stands in full solidarity with the city of Lorain and our partners in law enforcement. Recognizing this difficult time, all district offices and school buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25. We ask our Titan community to keep our city in your thoughts and to support one another with care and compassion in the days ahead.”

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