ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria police on Thursday shared new details about the investigation into the July 23 deadly ambush that killed Lorain police officer Phillip Wagner and wounded fellow officers Brent Payne and Peter Gale, calling it a “deliberate and evil plan” carried out by 28-year-old Michael Parker.

“On July 23rd, 2025, our community was shaken by a senseless and violent act, the tragic loss of Lorain police officer Philip Wagner, who was ambushed and fatally shot in the line of duty by 28-year-old Michael Parker of Lorain, Ohio,” Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said. “Lorain police officers Brent Payne and Peter Gale were also injured while bravely confronting the threat posed by Parker. We will continue to support them as they recover.”

Welsh noted during the press conference that

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