by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Lorain is grieving as authorities confirm the death of Officer Phillip C. Wagner, who succumbed Thursday to injuries from Wednesday’s ambush. Wagner was 35.
He had been airlifted to MetroHealth in Cleveland after being shot alongside Officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne during a calculated attack at the dead-end of Missouri Avenue. His passing came nearly 24 hours later, despite intensive care.
Vigil and Voices of Mourning
A candlelight vigil Thursday night drew hundreds outside Lorain Police Department. Attendees braved rain to honor Wagner and support fellow officers.
Members of the community spoke emotionally about the loss:
“What we keep saying to each other is we are not OK. This is just so heartbreaking…”
— Cara Hutchinson, vigil attendee
“He lost his life in the line of duty. He served his country twice, once as a Marine and police officer. It makes me feel sad right now because he's not here over something as silly as that. Laying and waiting for him like that. That’s ridiculous."”
— Marty Mackey, vigil attendee, speaking of the ambush
Lorain Safety Director Rey Carrion addressed the crowd:
“We are here today in an incredible moment of grief but also in a moment of unity. We are standing here to show all of our men and women in blue that we stand behind them and that we love them.”
Acting Chief Michael Failing spoke about what the department endured:
“The worst thing a chief can hear is: ‘Officer down. Officer shot. We’ve got an active shooter.’ … The men and women of the Lorain Police Department drove right into that scene to go get their injured officers… If that's not courage, I don't know what is.”
Failing also revealed that Wagner’s wife was part of a heartbreaking decision:
“I sat with Jess Wagner when she had to make the decision to pull the plug on her husband,” he said. “She wants to thank everyone for being here. She’s keeping to herself…and respecting that everybody has been respecting her…”
Officer Wagner: A Tribute
Wagner served three years with the Lorain Police Department and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Known for quiet professionalism, he earned respect across the force. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne were severely wounded in the same ambush. Gale, 51, suffered a hand injury and hopes to recover fully. Payne, 47, underwent surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.
The Ambush
Investigators confirmed the gunman, identified as Michael Parker (28), parked nearby armed with multiple weapons and waited for the officers during their lunch break. The attack, described as deliberate and targeted, left two officers critically wounded and one — Wagner — dead. The suspect was killed at the scene by returning fire from officers. Authorities also found improvised explosive materials and ammunition in Parker’s car.
What Comes Next
The Elyria Police Department continues leading the investigation, with support from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Authorities hope to uncover the motive and broader context behind this attack.
Governor Mike DeWine has ordered flags lowered to half‑staff across Ohio until sunset on the day of Wagner’s funeral. A verified GoFundMe campaign has been set up for his family and has already raised significant support.
Lorain is hurting. But tonight’s vigil makes one thing clear: the community stands with its officers, and in sorrow, it will stand together.
