Crime
Three Lorain Police Officers Shot in Targeted Ambush Identified
LORAIN, OH — A gunman armed with an “arsenal of weapons” ambushed three Lorain police officers on Wednesday afternoon, opening fire on two officers as they sat in their patrol vehicles during a lunch break.
A third officer, who responded to assist, was also shot. The gunman, a 28-year-old man, was later found dead at the scene.
Lorain Acting Police Chief Michael Failing confirmed during a Wednesday evening press conference that the officers involved were identified as Officers Brent Payne, Peter Gale, and Phillip Wagner.
Officers Brent Payne and Phillip Wagner sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were airlifted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, a Level I Trauma Center.
Officer Peter Gale was shot in the hand and received treatment at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital.
Chief Failing said the officers were ambushed while parked in the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park area when the gunman, described as “laying in wait,” opened fire using a high-powered rifle.
Responding officers quickly transported their injured colleagues in police vehicles to receive immediate medical attention.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, whose department is leading the investigation, confirmed that the officers returned fire.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, though it remains unclear whether he was killed by police gunfire or died by suicide.
“This is a heartbreaking and difficult day for the Lorain Police Department and the broader law enforcement community,” said Chief Welsh. “We extend our prayers to the families of the injured officers and our deepest gratitude to all agencies who responded swiftly to this act of violence.”
Authorities believe the gunman acted alone and have not released his identity, though his last known address was in Lorain.
Tactical teams conducted thorough searches in the area and have deemed it safe.
Investigators also discovered explosive materials in the suspect’s vehicle. Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Major A.J. Torres confirmed that the Bomb Squad safely conducted controlled detonations.
A public advisory posted by the Sheriff’s Office on social media stated:
“If you’re in the area of Colorado Ave or Kansas Ave on the East Side of Lorain and hear loud explosions, please be aware – it is a controlled detonation being conducted by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad. There is no threat to the public.”
The motive behind the ambush is still under investigation, and it is currently unknown why the officers were in the area prior to the shooting.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting Elyria police with the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Elyria Police at 440-323-3302.
Additional updates will be provided as more details become available.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”