Lorain Police Officer Phillip Wagner, 35, died July 24, 2025, after being shot in what authorities described as an ambush attack while he and a colleague were eating lunch in their patrol vehicles. The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, around 1:15 p.m. at River Bend Drive near the 2200 block of Colorado Avenue in Lorain, Ohio.
Wagner and fellow officer Peter Gale, 51, had picked up pizza for lunch and were parked side-by-side at the dead end of an undeveloped industrial park when 28-year-old Michael Parker of Lorain opened fire on their vehicles. Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing indicated that Parker had been lying in wait with an arsenal of weapons and opened fire with multiple rounds at both officers sitting in their vehicles.
A third officer, Brent Payne, 47, responded to the call for additional officers and was subsequently shot multiple times by Parker while in his patrol vehicle. All three officers sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Wagner and Payne suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for treatment, while Gale was shot in the hand and treated at Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital.
Responding officers engaged Parker in an exchange of gunfire, fatally shooting him at the scene. Elyria Police Chief James Welsh confirmed that authorities are fairly confident there was only one shooter involved in the attack. The Elyria Police Department is investigating the incident, with the motive for the shooting remaining under investigation.
Investigators discovered multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines in and around Parker’s vehicle. Police also found a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials in his vehicle, which were safely detonated away from the scene. Welsh described Parker as being armed with a high-powered rifle during the confrontation.
Wagner died Thursday from his injuries despite efforts by fellow officers, first responders and medical professionals. Failing stated that Wagner’s life and service to the city will never be forgotten, calling him “a true hero” and expressing the department’s unwavering support for Wagner’s family, friends and fellow officers during this time.
Payne underwent surgery Thursday morning and is recovering from his injuries. Gale has been treated and released from the hospital. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine received briefings on the shooting and characterized it as appearing to be a targeted attack on law enforcement. Ohio Senator Jon Husted’s office offered assistance to local officials and condemned the violence.
Wagner served as a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, completing two tours of duty. He joined the Lorain Police Department in February 2022 and had previously served four years with the Sheffield Village Police Department. He was born in Arizona and is survived by his wife and three children.
The funeral service for Wagner was held Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The service was livestreamed and had open stadium seating for the public, with the floor reserved for family and law enforcement. Wagner received full military honors during the service.
Lorain City Schools announced the closure of all school buildings and offices on Wednesday to honor Wagner’s memory. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham noted that Wagner’s service exemplified courage, integrity and a deep love for Lorain, emphasizing the district’s valued partnership with the Lorain Police Department.
Wagner’s obituary described him as an avid gamer who enjoyed watching baseball and hockey and loved relaxing with family and friends at barbecues. The family requested that memorial contributions be made to The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio instead of flowers. The community held a vigil on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to honor the fallen officer’s life and service.
