Crime
Who was Michael Parker? Suspect identified in ambush shooting of three Lorain police officers
LORAIN, Ohio — The Lorain County Coroner’s Office has formally identified the suspect involved in Wednesday’s targeted ambush that left three Lorain police officers wounded.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain. Parker was pronounced dead at the scene following the shooting.
Authorities have not yet determined whether Parker died from police gunfire or a self-inflicted wound.
Following the incident, Lorain police executed a search warrant at Parker’s residence on Lakeview Boulevard.
Officials confirmed that the scene was deemed secure by Wednesday evening.
The attack occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on River Bend Drive, a dead-end street off Colorado Avenue.
According to Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing, Officers Phillip Wagner and Peter Gale were eating lunch in their patrol vehicles when the suspect, who was reportedly armed with an “arsenal of weapons,” launched a surprise attack.
Officer Brent Payne and Officer Wagner, both of whom sustained multiple gunshot wounds, were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Officer Gale, who was shot in the hand, was treated at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, whose department is leading the investigation, confirmed the attack was “deliberate and planned.” He noted that the suspect used a high-powered rifle in the ambush.
“This was a calculated assault against our officers,” said Chief Welsh. “The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the support of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.”
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley addressed the media from outside MetroHealth, expressing deep concern and gratitude for the community’s support.
“We love our Lorain police officers. I consider them the best in the state of Ohio,” Mayor Bradley said. “We’ve received calls of support from Governor Mike DeWine and U.S. Senator Jon Husted’s office, both pledging full assistance.”
He added, “This is a tragic day for the city of Lorain, but we are a resilient community. We will move forward together.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the ambush.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Elyria Police.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.