LORAIN, Ohio (AP) — On Thursday, the Lorain County Coroner's Office identified the shooter who ambushed three Ohio police officers as 28-year-old Michael Parker. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Lorain, a city located west of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie. The authorities confirmed that an autopsy for Parker is planned, as he died as a result of the shooting.
According to law enforcement officials, Parker acted alone when he used a high-powered rifle to shoot and injure the three city officers: Phillip Wagner, aged 35; Peter Gale, aged 51; and Brent Payne, aged 47. The shootings took place shortly after Wagner and Gale had parked their vehicle to have pizza on a dead-end street in an undeveloped industrial area. Officer Payne was shot after responding to their call for assistance, as stated by Acting Police Chief Michael Failing.
Two of the injured officers were reported to be in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds and were transported to a trauma center. The third officer, identified as Payne, sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. It remains unclear whether Parker died from return fire from the officers or took his own life. Chief Failing revealed that Parker was found with “an arsenal” of weapons in his possession.
Parker lived with his parents in a well-kept two-story brick house near the lakeshore. Neighbors described him as an unusual character, noting that he often walked his family dog to a nearby beach but seldom interacted with others. Jody Burnsworth, a neighbor, said she had an uneasy feeling about Parker, stating, “He wasn’t rude. He was just always quiet. When he walked, he looked like he was always ultra-focused on something.” Burnsworth added that she felt uncomfortable enough to avoid opening her bedroom drapes that faced Parker's home.
In the year leading up to the incident, Parker was reportedly employed at the post office but quit soon after, claiming the work was too challenging. During the nighttime search of his residence, law enforcement utilized a tactical vehicle, broke an upstairs window, and deployed a drone inside the house, according to Burnsworth.
The ambush has prompted widespread concern and discussion within the community, highlighting issues surrounding gun violence and the impacts of such violent acts on law enforcement. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police released a statement expressing solidarity with the injured officers and their families while emphasizing the severity of the situation.
This tragic event marks another instance of violence against law enforcement personnel, raising questions about the safety and security of officers who serve and protect their communities. The ongoing investigation may shed further light on Parker's motives and circumstances leading up to the attack.
