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.

Three Lorain Police Officers Shot in Targeted Ambush Identified as Brent Payne, Gayle, and Phillip Wagner.
Officer Phillip Wagner
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.

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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.

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.
Suspect is dead
“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.

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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