3 Ohio police officers shot in ambush, 2 in critical condition; suspect dead

LORAIN, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - Three police officers were shot in an ambush, and the suspect is dead Wednesday afternoon in an industrial area of Lorain, Ohio.

Two officers, Phillip Wagner and Brent Payne, suffered several gunshot wounds and were in critical condition. They were flown by a medical helicopter to MetroHealth in Cleveland.

A third officer, Peter Gale, was shot in the hand and was taken to Mercy Hospital.

“Our thoughts are with the officers, their families, and the entire law enforcement community during this incredibly difficult time,” city officials shared in a statement.

Lorain Police Deputy Chief Michael Failing said Wagner and Gale just bought a pizza and were parked side by side at the dead-end on Missouri Avenue around 1 p.m.

The 28-year-old suspect was also parked at the dead-end with an arsenal of weapons and was “lying in wait,” according to Failing. He opened fire with a high-powered rifle, hitting both officers. The officers returned fire.

Responding to the scene, Payne called for additional help then drove down to the scene to help the officers. He was shot several times in his patrol car.

Other officers who were called to assist at the scene loaded the wounded officers into their cars and drove them to the hospital.

At this time, Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said it is not known if the suspect died by officer gunfire or a self-inflicted gunshot.

There were earlier reports of a second suspect at large, but Failing said there was only one suspect. Authorities searched the woods out of precaution, he said.

Elyria Police are handling the investigation, and the department has called the Ohio Bureau of Investigations for assistance.

The Cleveland FBI announced they are assisting in the investigation.

Gov. Mike DeWine released the following statement about the shooting:

“I have been briefed on the horrible officer-involved shooting in Lorain, which appears to have been a targeted attack on law enforcement. Fran and I are praying for the three Lorain Police Department officers who were shot in the line of duty today, and our thoughts are also with their families, friends, and fellow officers in northeast Ohio.

“This situation reminds us that those who work in law enforcement risk their lives every day for the safety of their communities. We are so very grateful for the men and women who willingly and bravely serve and protect.”

The city of Lorain announced all city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in support of police. The mayor also said Lorain officers will get counseling to help process the shooting of their colleagues.