Police in Ohio name the man who fatally shot one officer and wounded two others in a surprise attack.

Officer Killed in Ambush Shooting in Ohio

Law enforcement in Ohio has released the identity of a police officer who was killed in an ambush shooting, as well as the suspect accused of the attack. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, resulting in injuries to two additional officers.

The Elyria Police Department identified the slain officer as 35-year-old Philip Wagner. He was involved in a “critical shootout” while responding to a call in Lorraine, Ohio, on Wednesday afternoon.

A call had been initiated after a radio broadcast detected a gunshot in the Riverbend Drive area. Elyria Police Chief James Wales reported that upon arrival, officers encountered suspect Michael Parker, 28, who opened fire on them with a powerful rifle.

Parker was ultimately killed during a firefight with law enforcement, which involved three officers from Lorraine. Tragically, Officer Wagner succumbed to his injuries in the hospital the following day.

In a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook, the Lorraine County Sheriff’s Office remarked on Wagner’s dedication, stating, “Officer Wagner, only 35 years old, gave his life in serving his community. Words are a sacrifice that never fully respects.” They emphasized his roles beyond policing, highlighting him as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, with his impact felt deeply by those who knew him.

Preliminary information from Elyria police suggests that Parker’s vehicle, found near the dead end on Riverbend Drive, contained “multiple powerful firearms, handguns, and a significant quantity of loaded magazines.” Additionally, suspicious packages were discovered, raising alarm about potential explosives which prompted the involvement of the Lorraine County Bomb Squad.

Authorities reported that bomb technicians later found a considerable amount of improvised explosives inside Parker’s vehicle, safely removing and disposing of them via a controlled explosion away from the scene.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Wagner was a Marine Corps veteran with three years of service at the Lorraine Police Department and previously worked at the Sheffield Village Police Station for four years. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.