Investigators continue the search for 28-year-old Michael Parker’s motive and plan when he shot three Lorain Police officers on July 23, 2025.

One officer – Phillip Wagner – died the following day. Two others – Brent Payne and Peter Gale – are recovering from gunshot wounds.

Initial reports were that Parker was waiting for the officers to arrive near the end of Riverbend Road, which is lined with woods and a popular place for officers to park and fill out paperwork or eat lunch. It’s also an area that’s popular with joggers and dog walkers.

The officers actually were already there when Parker arrived, according to police.

“A suspect arrived in the area in the vehicle that is registered to the suspect and immediately began firing upon Officer Wagner's cruiser,” Elyria Police Capt. Bill

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