Description
LORAIN, Ohio (WSYX) — Three Ohio police officers were shot in what a law enforcement source described as an ambush in Lorain on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. at the Colorado Industrial Park, which is adjacent to the Black River, according to the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley confirmed that two officers were airlifted to MetroHealth in serious condition, while a third officer was taken to Mercy Health with non-life-threatening injuries.
During a news conference, Lorain Police Deputy Chief Michael Failing said two officers, Philip Wagner and Peter Gale, bought lunch before parking their patrol vehicle and were eating together when the shooting happened.
"Officers were parked side by side, having their lunch in their respective patrol vehicles," Failing told reporters. "The suspect parked at the dead end of Missouri Avenue, and he had an arsenal of weapons with him. And he was lying in wait and opened fire with multiple rounds at both of the officers, who were sitting in their vehicles."
A third officer arrived on the scene, Brent Payne, when the first two officers called for backup and was shot multiple times inside his vehicle, Failing said.
"Officer Gale suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. And he's being treated at Metro Mercy Health Center right now. Both Officer Payne and Wagner suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and they were airlifted to Metro," Failing reported.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh said the suspect was armed with a "high-powered rifle."
Failing confirmed the 28-year-old suspect was shot on the scene and pronounced dead. A name has not been released.
The Elyria Police Department will be handling the investigation, according to Welsh.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine released a statement on social media, stating he had been briefed on the shooting that appeared "to have been a targeted attack on law enforcement."
"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," he said.
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Editor's note: The National News Desk's Alexx Altman-Devilbiss contributed to this article.
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