OHIO – A gunman ambushed and shot three police officers in Lorain, Ohio, on Wednesday in what authorities are calling a targeted attack on law enforcement.
According to Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the dead end of an undeveloped industrial park. Officers Peter Gale (51) and Phillip Wagner (35) were eating lunch in their patrol vehicles after picking up pizza when the suspect — armed with an arsenal of weapons — opened fire from a nearby vehicle.
Third Officer Shot Responding to the Scene
A third officer, Brent Payne (47), arrived to assist and was also shot multiple times while still in his squad car, Failing said. All three officers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Wagner and Payne were airlifted due to critical injuries, while Gale sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and remains hospitalized.
The gunman, identified only as a 28-year-old male, was killed at the scene after officers returned fire. The suspect was found with a high-powered rifle, and police confirmed there are no additional suspects at large.
Authorities Call It a ‘Targeted Attack’
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh, whose department is now handling the investigation, said officials are still trying to determine the shooter’s motive, but emphasized the deliberate nature of the ambush. “He was laying in wait and opened fire with multiple rounds,” Welsh explained.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned the violence in a statement on social media, saying the shooting “appears to have been a targeted attack on law enforcement.” He added:
“This situation reminds us that those who work in law enforcement risk their lives every day for the safety of their communities.”
Ohio Senator Jon Husted also weighed in, offering assistance to local agencies and stating online:
“There is no place for this kind of violence in our state or country.”
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