[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Deborah [@Deborah07849071](/creator/twitter/Deborah07849071) on x 2656 followers Created: 2025-07-25 06:20:52 UTC UPDATE: Ohio officer Phillip Wagner dies after shooter lying in wait ambushed police who parked to eat lunch An officer in Ohio has died after a shooter lying in wait ambushed him and another officer as they parked to eat pizza in a remote, undeveloped area, Lorain police said Thursday. Lorain police Officer Phillip C. Wagner, 35, had been flown to a trauma center after the attack Wednesday afternoon in the city west of Cleveland, a police statement said. It said he died surrounded by family at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. The shooting wounded Wagner’s partner as well as a third officer who responded to their call for help. Authorities say the attacker was Lorain resident Michael Joseph Parker, 28, who was pronounced dead after an exchange of gunfire. They say he acted alone. Police have not shared details on any motive. The department said Wagner joined the force in early 2022 after serving with the US Marine Corps and the Sheffield Village Police Department. His colleagues called him a respected and beloved officer known for dedication, professionalism and compassion. Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing said Wagner’s life and service “will never be forgotten.” “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,” Failing said. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine directed that Ohio and US flags be flown at half-staff on public buildings until sunset on the day of Wagner’s funeral. Police said investigators found multiple rifles, handguns and loaded magazines in and around Parker’s vehicle, along with “a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials.” An autopsy on Parker showed he was killed by multiple gunshot wounds fired by police officers, said the Lorain County coroner, Dr. Frank Miller. Parker’s bullet wounds “are not self-inflicted,” Miller said in phone interview after the Thursday autopsy. “It’s during the gun battle.” He said toxicology test results will take a few weeks. A second officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was in critical condition after being flown to the trauma center, according to a statement issued by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police. The third officer was shot in the hand, according to Failing. The wounded officers are Peter Gale, 51, and Brent Payne, XX. Just before the ambush, Wagner and Gale parked to eat pizza on a dead-end street in a remote, undeveloped area of Lorain that overlooks a river and a steel mill. Payne was shot after responding to their call, Failing said. “Officers returned fire during the exchange, which ultimately resulted in Parker sustaining a fatal injury,” according to statement from police in nearby Elyria who are handling the investigation.  XX engagements  [Post Link](https://x.com/Deborah07849071/status/1948629506257818074)
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Deborah @Deborah07849071 on x 2656 followers
Created: 2025-07-25 06:20:52 UTC
UPDATE: Ohio officer Phillip Wagner dies after shooter lying in wait ambushed police who parked to eat lunch
An officer in Ohio has died after a shooter lying in wait ambushed him and another officer as they parked to eat pizza in a remote, undeveloped area, Lorain police said Thursday.
Lorain police Officer Phillip C. Wagner, 35, had been flown to a trauma center after the attack Wednesday afternoon in the city west of Cleveland, a police statement said. It said he died surrounded by family at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.
The shooting wounded Wagner’s partner as well as a third officer who responded to their call for help.
Authorities say the attacker was Lorain resident Michael Joseph Parker, 28, who was pronounced dead after an exchange of gunfire. They say he acted alone. Police have not shared details on any motive.
The department said Wagner joined the force in early 2022 after serving with the US Marine Corps and the Sheffield Village Police Department. His colleagues called him a respected and beloved officer known for dedication, professionalism and compassion.
Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing said Wagner’s life and service “will never be forgotten.”
“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,” Failing said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine directed that Ohio and US flags be flown at half-staff on public buildings until sunset on the day of Wagner’s funeral.
Police said investigators found multiple rifles, handguns and loaded magazines in and around Parker’s vehicle, along with “a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials.”
An autopsy on Parker showed he was killed by multiple gunshot wounds fired by police officers, said the Lorain County coroner, Dr. Frank Miller.
Parker’s bullet wounds “are not self-inflicted,” Miller said in phone interview after the Thursday autopsy. “It’s during the gun battle.” He said toxicology test results will take a few weeks.
A second officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was in critical condition after being flown to the trauma center, according to a statement issued by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police.
The third officer was shot in the hand, according to Failing. The wounded officers are Peter Gale, 51, and Brent Payne, XX.
Just before the ambush, Wagner and Gale parked to eat pizza on a dead-end street in a remote, undeveloped area of Lorain that overlooks a river and a steel mill. Payne was shot after responding to their call, Failing said.
“Officers returned fire during the exchange, which ultimately resulted in Parker sustaining a fatal injury,” according to statement from police in nearby Elyria who are handling the investigation.
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