Report: Man who ambushed police officers was sober

LORAIN — A Lorain man who ambushed Lorain police last month was sober at the time of the incident, according to toxicology reports. Lorain County coroner Dr. Frank Miller said Michael Parker, 28, was sober and had no alcohol, drugs or medications in his system at the time of his death on July 23, 2025. Parker's medical history and evidence found during his autopsy did indicate he suffered a brain injury more than a decade prior, Miller said, but it was unclear if that was a contributing factor to the shooting that left a Lorain officer dead and two others injured on July 23. "I don't know that we have any explanation as to why he did what he did," Miller said. The matter remains under investigation by Elyria police. Shortly after 1 p.m. July 23, Parker opened fire on Lorain police officers Phillip Wagner and Peter Gale while the pair had lunch in the vacant Colorado Avenue Industrial Park on the city's east side. Wagner, 35, of North Ridgeville, died of his injuries the following day. Gale and responding officer Brent Payne were both treated for gunshot wounds and released from local hospitals. Parker was shot and killed at the scene by other Lorain police officers. He had an arsenal of weapons, including rifles, handguns, ammunition and improvised explosive devices in his vehicle when he was killed. Read more at chroniclet.com.