Lorain Police Officer Killed in Ambush, Suspect Identified with Prior Encounter
Lorain Police Officer Killed in Ambush, Suspect Identified with Prior Encounter
LORAIN, Ohio — A Lorain police officer was tragically killed and two others wounded in an ambush attack that occurred Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have identified the deceased officer as Phillip Wagner, who was ambated by Michael Parker.
Investigations have revealed a prior encounter between Officer Wagner and Parker. According to a 2022 crash report, Wagner had cited Parker for failure to stop after an accident and driving left of center following an incident on October 23, 2022, where Parker allegedly struck a motorcyclist on Broadway Avenue. Court records indicate Parker pleaded no contest to the charges, with the failure to stop charge being dismissed, and paid a $150 fine along with court costs.
During Wednesday’s ambush, officers returned fire, resulting in the death of the 28-year-old Parker. Police also reported the discovery of a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials inside Parker’s vehicle near the scene. The motive behind the attack, which also left Officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne wounded, has not yet been disclosed by investigators.
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