By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • Lorain (Ohio) police officers have been cleared of criminal charges in a July ambush that killed one officer and wounded two others, prosecutors said.
- • The Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office issued a “Do Not Present” letter, ending the possibility of charges or a grand jury review related to the officers’ actions.
- • The ambush occurred July 23 when officers came under gunfire and returned fire, killing the assailant, authorities reported.
- • Prosecutors concluded the officers’ response was lawful and appropriate under the circumstances after reviewing video, ballistics and other evidence.
LORAIN, OH — The Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office has concluded that police officers who were ambushed by a gunman in July acted lawfully when they returned fire, killing the suspect and otherwise wounding three officers, authorities said.
Officials issued a “Do Not Present” letter this week that effectively ends the possibility of criminal charges or a grand jury review regarding the officers’ conduct during the incident.
The ambush unfolded July 23 near River Bend Drive and the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park, when officers came under gunfire from 28-year-old Michael Parker, who investigators said acted alone. The encounter left Officer Phillip Wagner dead and Officers Brent Payne and Peter Gale wounded.
Prosecutors reviewed body-worn video, dash camera footage, ballistics evidence and a scene reconstruction before determining the officers’ actions were lawful and appropriate under the circumstances.
Authorities said officers secured the scene and requested specialized resources, including bomb squad assistance, before beginning evidence processing.