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
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.