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.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.