Lorain Police Officer Phillip Wagner died July 25, 2025, after being shot during an ambush attack while eating lunch with fellow officers in a remote area of Lorain, Ohio. The 35-year-old officer was one of three law enforcement personnel targeted by gunman Michael Parker on July 23.
The shooting occurred around 1:15 p.m. on July 23 when Wagner and Officer Peter Gale, 51, had parked their patrol cars on River Bend Drive at Colorado Industrial Park to eat lunch. Parker, 28, opened fire on the officers with a rifle while they remained in their vehicles. Officer Brent Payne, 47, was also shot multiple times when he responded to the scene to assist his colleagues.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh characterized the incident as an ambush during a press conference. Officers returned fire, and Parker died at the scene. The Lorain County prosecutor and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating the incident, with Elyria Police handling the initial investigation.
Wagner and Payne were airlifted by helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, while Gale was transported to Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Wagner succumbed to his injuries on July 25. Payne attended Wagner’s memorial service in a wheelchair despite having undergone surgery just hours before the officer’s body was transported from the hospital.
A native of Arizona, Wagner served as a combat veteran in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours, including one in Afghanistan. He began his law enforcement career with the Sheffield Village Police Department, serving four years before joining the Lorain Police Department in 2021. Wagner graduated from the police academy in 2018 and had been with Lorain Police for four years at the time of his death.
Wagner had recently achieved a career milestone when he was accepted to join the department’s SWAT team on July 22, just one day before the fatal shooting. Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing noted that Wagner had expressed enthusiasm about joining the specialized unit during his hiring interview, asking specifically about the timeline for SWAT team tryouts.
The fallen officer left behind a wife of 10 years and three children. Pastor Josh Smith, who officiated Wagner’s memorial service, described him as a devoted family man who promised his wife he would take care of her for the rest of his life. Smith also revealed that Wagner was uncomfortable being called a hero after his military deployments because he believed true heroes were those who laid down their lives for others.
Thousands gathered at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland on July 30 for Wagner’s public memorial service. Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, and Attorney General Dave Yost attended the ceremony, along with law enforcement officers from across Ohio and as far away as Canada. The service began with a funeral procession from Liston Funeral Home in North Ridgeville that traveled through downtown Cleveland.
During the memorial, Wagner was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor by Chief Failing. Mayor Jack Bradley proclaimed July 24 as Officer Phillip Wagner Day in the City of Lorain. Bradley addressed Wagner’s children directly during the service, telling them that “your father was a champion” who worked to make the world safer for them every day.
Detective Matt Hartman shared memories of Wagner’s passion for firearms and military history, recalling an incident where Wagner became excited about a World War II weapon component turned in by a citizen. Hartman concluded his remarks with a final tribute to his fallen colleague: “Officer Phillip Wagner, badge 4178, we’ll take it from here.”
The memorial service concluded with a final radio call played over the loudspeaker, formally ending Wagner’s watch. Following the public ceremony, Wagner received full military honors at a private burial service in Bellevue, Sandusky County. The family requested that memorial contributions be made to the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio instead of flowers.
Governor DeWine ordered American and Ohio state flags to be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in Lorain County and at state facilities in Columbus from July 25 through the day of Wagner’s funeral. The order honored Wagner’s life and service to his community and country.