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.
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.