A 35-year-old Lorain Police Department officer died July 24, 2025, after being shot in what authorities described as a targeted ambush attack while he and a colleague were eating lunch in their patrol vehicles.
Officer Phillip Wagner was critically wounded on July 23, 2025, around 1:15 p.m. when 28-year-old Michael Parker opened fire on two officers parked at the dead end of River Bend Drive in an undeveloped industrial park in Lorain, Ohio. Wagner and fellow officer Peter Gale, 51, had picked up pizza for lunch and were sitting in their patrol vehicles when the attack occurred.
Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing indicated that Parker had been lying in wait at the location with an arsenal of weapons. The suspect had parked at the dead end and opened fire with multiple rounds at both officers sitting in their vehicles. Police discovered multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines in and around Parker’s vehicle.
A third Lorain officer, Brent Payne, 47, was shot multiple times in his patrol vehicle after responding to a call for additional officers at the scene. Failing noted that “Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten.”
Wagner and Payne both suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland for treatment. Gale was shot in the hand and was treated and released from Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital. Wagner died Thursday despite medical efforts, while Payne underwent surgery and is recovering from his injuries.
Officers returned fire on Parker, who was armed with a high-powered rifle. The suspect was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Elyria Police Chief James Welsh indicated that no other suspects have been located and authorities are confident there was only one shooter. A significant quantity of improvised explosive materials was also found in Parker’s vehicle and safely detonated away from the scene.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation by the Elyria Police Department. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated he had been briefed on the shooting and indicated it appears to have been a targeted attack on law enforcement.
Wagner was born in Arizona and served as a combat veteran in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing two tours. He joined the Lorain Police Department in February 2022 after serving four years with the Sheffield Village Police Department. Wagner is survived by his wife and three children.
The funeral service for Wagner will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The family announced the service will be livestreamed and opened stadium seating for the public, with the floor reserved for family and law enforcement. Wagner will receive full military honors.
The funeral procession will begin around 7:30 a.m. at Liston Funeral Home in North Ridgeville and travel to Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The route includes eastbound on Center Ridge Road, south on Lear Nagle Road, east on Lorain Road, and eastbound on I-480. Lorain City Schools announced all school buildings and offices will be closed Wednesday to honor Wagner’s memory.
North Ridgeville police indicated that while traffic along the route will be maintained, some intersections will temporarily close as the procession passes. Center Ridge from Stoney Ridge Road to Maddock Road will be closed starting at 6:30 a.m. to allow vehicle staging for the procession.
Lorain City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham noted that Wagner’s service exemplified courage, integrity, and a deep love for Lorain. The district emphasized its long-valued partnership with the Lorain Police Department and expressed solidarity with the department and community during this loss.
The family has requested that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio. Wagner’s obituary described him as an avid gamer who enjoyed watching baseball and hockey and loved relaxing with family and friends at barbecues.
Ohio Senator Jon Husted offered assistance to local officials and stated there is no place for this kind of violence in the state or country. The incident has drawn support from law enforcement agencies across the region, with hundreds of law enforcement vehicles participating in previous processions to honor Wagner’s service.
