CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Lorain police officer died Thursday, the day after a gunman shot him and two colleagues in an ambush-style attack at the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park.
Authorities announced the death of Phillip Wagner, 35, a three-year veteran of the department, at MetroHealth Medical Center.
“Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten,” Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing said in a statement. “On behalf of the Wagner family, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out in support. 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.”
Before Wagner became a patrolman for Lorain Police Department, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as an officer for the Sheffield Village Police Department, the statement said.
Just two days before he was shot, Wagner had earned his SWAT pin after spending a year training.
“Known for his dedication, professionalism, and compassion, Officer Wagner exemplified the very best of what it means to serve and protect,” Failing said.
Investigators said Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain fired several rounds from a high-powered rifle at the officers at about 1 p.m. as Wagner and officer Peter Gale stopped to eat lunch in their cruisers. Another officer, Brent Payne, was struck several times when he attempted to help his colleagues.
“These were, all three, great officers,” Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley said prior to the announcement that Wagner had died. “Never to my knowledge did they have any disciplinary action against them and were proud members of the Lorain Police Department.”
Wagner and Payne were flown to MetroHealth in serious condition. Gale was struck in the hand and taken to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Police returned fire, striking Parker roughly a dozen times and killing him.
Officers found a large cache of explosives in Parker’s car, which a bomb squad safely detonated.
“Our police officers place themselves in peril every day,” Bradley said. “When they leave home to go to work it could be their last day.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released a statement Thursday afternoon calling Wagner a “hero” and offering prayers for Payne and Gale.
“I am devastated by this senseless attack on law enforcement – my deepest condolences are with Officer Wagner’s loved ones," the statement said.
On Thursday, Lorain City Hall closed. Officers who left the station declined to speak with a reporter.
A message on the digital sign in front of City Hall asked residents to keep the police department in their thoughts and prayers.
Early in the day, flags flew at half-staff, and residents placed candles on a memorial statue for fallen officers outside the building. Shortly before 7 p.m., Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he ordered U.S. and Ohio flags at Lorain County and state offices to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Wagner’s funeral.
Information about Wagner’s funeral and public rememberance will be released in the next several days, according to the Lorain Police Department.
“May he rest in peace and the perpetual light shine upon him,” Bradley stated in an email after the public learned the news that Wagner had died. “We pray for his family who have lost a champion, hero and great public servant.”
Also expressing their condolences Thursday were Chris Ronayne, county executive of Cuyahoga County, and its sheriff, Harold Pretel.
“The men and women of law enforcement face great dangers every day in the name of keeping our residents and communities safe, and this cowardly and unprovoked attack has no place in our society,” Ronayne stated.
Added Pretel, “The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department stands in solidarity with the Lorain Police Department, and we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Phillip Wagner, the result of a criminal act.”
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