Officers Shot in NE Ohio Ambush; Suspect Dead

Identification of Officers Shot in Lorain

Police officials in Lorain, Ohio have identified the three officers who were shot during a violent incident on Wednesday afternoon. The attack occurred when a gunman, described as "laying in wait" with an "arsenal of weapons," opened fire on two police officers who had parked side-by-side in their patrol cars to have lunch.

The officers targeted were 35-year-old Phillip Wagner and 51-year-old Peter Gale. A third officer, 47-year-old Brent Payne, who responded to assist, was also shot. This marked the first major police shooting in the city in 70 years, according to Acting Police Chief Michael Failing.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday when the officers were eating at the dead end of Missouri Avenue in an industrial area. After being shot multiple times, Wagner and Payne were flown to a Cleveland hospital for treatment, while Gale sustained a hand injury and was treated locally.

More officers arrived at the scene to help, and the three injured officers were loaded into police vehicles and taken to the hospital. Jay McDonald, president of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, expressed his gratitude for the quick response from law enforcement. “All of these men and women behind me came running to help, into a hail of gunfire,” he said.

Mayor Jack Bradley received support from Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Senator Jon Husted, who called to offer their condolences. “This is a tragic day in the city of Lorain, but we’re a strong city,” Bradley said. “We’re going to move forward. We welcome all your prayers and all your support for the police officers and the citizens of Lorain.”

Investigation and Suspect Details

Elyria police are leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. According to Police Chief James Welsh, the suspect ambushed the officers using a high-powered rifle. The officers returned fire, and the suspect was found dead at the scene. However, it remains unclear whether the suspect was shot by officers or died by suicide.

Welsh stated that authorities believe they have identified the suspect, whose last known address was in Lorain. He did not release the man’s name but confirmed that he was the sole individual involved in the shooting. “This area is safe,” Welsh added, noting that multiple tactical teams searched the area on Wednesday. “There’s no danger to anybody who travels along Colorado Avenue.”

Explosives Found in Suspect’s Vehicle

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Maj. A.J. Torres confirmed that explosives were found in the suspect’s car. A Facebook post from the sheriff’s office warned residents in the area of Colorado Ave or Kansas Ave on the East Side of Lorain that loud explosions might be heard due to controlled detonations conducted by the Bomb Squad. “There is no threat to the public,” the post stated.

Ongoing Support and Calls for Unity

Two officers were seriously injured and transported to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, a Level I Trauma Center, while another was taken to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital. Elyria police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to contact them at 440-323-3302.

Jay McDonald highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement, citing that 166 Ohio police officers were shot in the first six months of 2025. He called for the community to unite in condemning violence against those who protect and serve.

“Every day, these heroes behind me come to work to continue to protect and serve their communities, knowing this violence continues to reign down on the men and women who swore an oath to protect people they don’t even know,” McDonald said.