Mike DeWine

July 25 (UPI) — One of three Ohio police officers shot in what authorities described as an ambush earlier this week has died.

The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday that officer Phillip Wagner, 35, “gave his life in service to his community, a sacrifice that words can never fully honor.”

“He was not only a dedicated officer, but a husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the sheriff’s office said. “His impact reached far beyond the badge, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and served alongside him.”

Wagner and fellow officer Peter Gale, 51, had picked up pizza and were each in their individual cop cars, parked side by side, eating in an undeveloped industrial park in the northeastern Ohio city of Lorain, located on the coast of Lake Erie, when the gunman opened fire on them.

A third officer, officer Brent Payne, 47, who arrived on the scene was also shot.

The suspect, identified Thursday as 28-year-old Michael Joseph Parker, was killed in return fire.

Authorities said Wagner and Payne were shot multiple times, while Gale suffered a gunshot wound to the hand.

Wagner succumbed to his injuries Thursday, the Lorain Police Department said, while Payne was listed in critical condition.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds “in honor of the life and service” of Wagner, his office said in a statement, with the order to remain in effect until his funeral.

“I am devastated by this senseless attack on law enforcement,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.

“I share this community’s grief at the loss of a hero and join in their prayers for the injured officers to make a swift recovery.”

July 24 (UPI) — Three Ohio police officers were shot when a gunman opened fire on two of while they were eating pizza in their patrol cars during their lunch break, authorities said, with the third being wounded while responding to the scene.

The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. local time Wednesday in an undeveloped industrial park in the northeastern Ohio city of Lorain, located on the coast of Lake Erie.

Acting Lorain Police Chief Michael Failing told reporters during a press conference that the suspect had been “lying in wait” with an “arsenal of weapons” when he opened fire on officers Philip Wagner and Peter Gale, who were parked side by side eating pizza.

A third officer, Brent Payne, was also shot by the suspect when he arrived at the scene in response to his fellow officers’ call for assistance.

More officers responded, and the suspect was shot dead at the scene.

Failing said Payne suffered a gunshot wound to the hand at was treated at a local hospital, while Wagner and Gale were shot multiple times and were airlifted to a larger facility.

“They are currently undergoing medical treatment and if you could all pray for these officers,” Failing said.

The suspect has not been identified.

Elyria Police Chief James Welsh told reporters in a separate press conference that he could not confirm whether the suspect died from return fire from law enforcement or if he took his own life.

“This was an ambush situation,” he said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he had been briefed on the “horrible” shooting.

“Fran and I are praying for the three Lorain Police Department officers who were shot in the line of duty today, and our thoughts are also with their families, friends and fellow officers in northeast Ohio,” he said in a statement.

“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.”