Elyria police investigators disclosed findings on September 18 from their extensive probe into the ambush shooting on July 23 that resulted in the death of Lorain Police Officer Phillip Wagner and injuries to two other officers. The investigation revealed that the shooter, Michael Parker, had stockpiled a large cache of weapons and explosives for what officials described as a planned mass casualty event.
Parker, 28, from Lorain, Ohio, arrived at the end of Riverbend Drive at 1:03 p.m. on July 23 and immediately began firing on Officers Wagner and Peter Gale, who were having lunch in their patrol cars. Elyria Police Captain Bill Lantz reported that Parker discharged 193 rounds and was armed for an extended confrontation with police.
Investigators found Parker had 10 firearms, including seven scoped rifles, a shotgun, and two handguns. More than 7,500 rounds of ammunition and 294 loaded magazines were recovered from his vehicle. Additionally, about 220 pounds of explosive materials were found and safely detonated by the Lorain County Bomb Squad.
According to the released timeline, Officers Wagner and Gale had parked their vehicles side-by-side at 12:52 p.m. for lunch when Parker arrived and started shooting. Officer Gale managed to escape and call for assistance, while Wagner was hit multiple times. Between 1:04 p.m. and 1:07 p.m., Parker moved his vehicle and set up rifles on each side, anticipating the arrival of more officers.
At 1:07 p.m., Officers Gale and Brent Payne returned to the scene. In seconds, Parker fired 25 to 30 rounds at Payne’s patrol car. Despite being injured in the hip, leg, and arm, Payne left his cruiser, sought cover in nearby woods, returned fire, and communicated details of the attack over the radio. Gale was also hit, sustaining a hand injury.
Further officers and an FBI agent arrived at 1:10 p.m., finding Payne in the woods, applying a tourniquet, and transporting him to Mercy Hospital. Two more police units engaged Parker, ultimately resulting in his death. The confrontation ended at 1:12 p.m., and officers quickly transported Wagner to MetroHealth Medical Center.
Wagner, 35, a seven-year law enforcement veteran and former U.S. Marine, succumbed to his injuries on July 24. He is survived by his wife and three children. Payne underwent several surgeries and is unlikely to return to police duty. Gale had surgery on his hand and is expected to resume duties in a few months.
The investigation showed that Parker had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before 2016 but had not taken medication for eight or nine years prior to the shooting. Dr. Frank Miller, the Lorain County Coroner, noted no alcohol, drugs, or medications were found in Parker’s system. Parker was unemployed and living with family members who were unaware of the extent of his firearm collection.
Parker’s firearm purchases increased between March and July 2025, coinciding with his acquisition of three rifles and a shotgun, all of which were loaded at the scene. His buying history dates back to 2019, with recent purchases aligning with his accumulation of ammunition and tactical gear.
Officials clarified that Parker did not specifically target the three officers. Although Wagner had previously issued Parker a traffic citation following an October 23, 2022 car crash, investigators found no evidence suggesting this interaction influenced Parker’s actions against Wagner.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh stated, “the evidence confirms that Parker had a deliberate and evil plan to inflict mass casualties upon humanity.” Welsh confirmed Parker acted alone, with no evidence of external assistance. The preparation and arsenal indicated a calculated attack on law enforcement.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation supported Elyria police in the investigation. Authorities continue to examine Parker’s motivations and planning but affirm that the officers’ response likely prevented a larger tragedy.
