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.
CHICAGO — Authorities have launched an investigation following a fatal overnight shooting that occurred on the city’s South Side, leaving one man dead.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the incident took place shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of West 44th Street, within the Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and a person shot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 28-year-old man lying unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Police have not yet released the identity of the victim, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives from the CPD Area One unit are leading the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or call 911.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at CPDtip.com to assist investigators.