LORAIN, Ohio (AP) — 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 U.S. 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.”
