New details emerge in officer's shooting death

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. ELYRIA — The Elyria Police Department laid out new details Wednesday about the July 23 ambush in Lorain that killed Officer Phillip Wagner and wounded officers Peter Gale and Brent Payne. Law enforcement leaders mainly described the armed attacker who staged rifles and equipment to confront the first wave of responding officers. Timeline of events Here's how law enforcement leaders outlined what happened: • 1:03 p.m. — Investigators said the incident began at the dead end of River Bend Drive, a cul-de-sac off Colorado Avenue that officers sometimes use for meal breaks. Gale arrived at 12:46 p.m., and Wagner arrived at 12:52 p.m. • 1:03 p.m. — While the officers were parked side-by-side, a silver Toyota driven by 28-year-old Michael Joseph Parker pulled into the cul-de-sac and immediately opened fire into Wagner's cruiser, incapacitating him. Gale radioed "shots fired," fled the initial volley and staged to the north to await backup. • From 1:04-1:07 p.m. — Parker repositioned his vehicle to the far south end of the cul-de-sac and began staging multiple rifles, several with magnified scopes, along with other gear oriented toward the only route officers could use to approach. Elyria police said Gale and Payne linked up on River Bend Drive and moved back toward the scene. • 1:07 p.m. — As Payne's cruiser came into view of the suspect's vehicle, Parker opened fire again. Rounds struck Payne's windshield within seconds. Gale reported the suspect had a rifle. • From 1:08-1:11 p.m. — Payne tried to move to cover and return fire with his sidearm but was shot in the hip and lower arm while maneuvering toward a nearby wood line. Detectives arriving in an SUV with an FBI special agent provided immediate medical aid, applied a tourniquet and evacuated Payne to Mercy Hospital. Gale was also hit in the hand and drove out of the hot zone before being transported for treatment. • 1:11 p.m. — Additional Lorain officers arrived, took cover behind Payne's cruiser and engaged Parker, advancing on his position. • 1:11 p.m. — The first shot by officers was logged. • 1:12 p.m. — The last shot was logged by officers. Parker was struck and died at the scene. Officers then secured the area and began efforts to extract Wagner to a police cruiser for transport to Mercy Hospital. He died the following day, July 24. Scale of the threat Investigators recovered 10 firearms purchased by Parker in recent years, including seven rifles, one shotgun and two handguns. They documented 103 rounds fired by the suspect, largely from rifles, along with 294 loaded rifle magazines and loose ammunition that brought the estimated total to more than 7,500 rounds. The Lorain County Bomb Squad removed about 100 pounds of suspected Tannerite from Parker's vehicle and conducted a controlled detonation away from the scene. Elyria police characterized Parker as heavily armed and prepared for a prolonged confrontation. Photos and diagrams presented at the briefing showed rifles staged on both sides of his car, hearing protection, beverages and a utility cart that investigators believe could have been used to move ammunition or weapons if he attempted to go mobile. They said such movement into the trees or a secondary position could have significantly escalated the danger, and credited the swift advance by Lorain officers with preventing further loss of life. Coroner's report Lorain County coroner Dr. Frank Miller said Parker died of multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide. Toxicology testing found no alcohol, illicit drugs or medications in his system. Miller noted Parker had been diagnosed in the past with a psychotic disorder, including schizophrenia, but investigators found no evidence he had been on medication for at least eight years. Officers' conditions Officials said Gale underwent surgery on his hand and faces six to eight months of recovery before returning to duty. Payne had major surgery after his arm was shattered by gunfire. His recovery is expected to take at least a year, though colleagues described him as eager to return sooner. Family and background Parker lived with family members in the 1500 block of North Lakeview Blvd. in Lorain. Relatives told investigators they knew he owned firearms but did not realize the scope of his stockpile. Interviews conducted in the days following the shooting reflected their shock at the extent of his weapons and ammunition. Digital evidence and motive Investigators said the FBI is reviewing Parker's digital footprint, including social media, phone data and electronic devices seized from his home. They stressed that all current evidence shows he acted alone, but the federal review aims to rule out outside influence or assistance. Police noted Parker's prior traffic-crash citation investigated by Wagner in 2022 and a related civil case that settled in 2024 but emphasized that current evidence does not show any specific individual, including Wagner or Gale, was targeted. Based on firearms purchases between March and July and the volume of ammunition and equipment, investigators said the attack was planned rather than spontaneous. Bravery of officers Police leaders highlighted the speed of the response. From the time the first shots were fired until officers neutralized Parker was only about seven minutes. They said the quick intervention disrupted Parker's ability to stage more weapons and explosives, likely preventing further casualties. One detective who helped extract Payne from the scene was his own brother, an act that drew particular praise during the briefing.