LORAIN, OH — A horrifying and deliberate ambush rocked the Lorain community on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, when three Lorain police officers were shot in what officials are calling a targeted attack. The gunman, identified as 28-year-old Jeremy K. Brooks, unleashed a barrage of gunfire on officers who were on a routine lunch break, leaving two critically injured and one with minor injuries. The suspect was later found dead at the scene.
Lorain Acting Police Chief Michael Failing confirmed that the officers injured in the shooting were:
- Officer Brent Payne,
- Officer Phillip Wagner, and
- Officer Tiffany Gayle.
According to investigators, Officers Payne and Wagner were sitting in their patrol vehicles at the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park when the suspect, described as heavily armed and lying in wait, opened fire with a high-powered rifle. Both officers sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, nearby officers quickly loaded them into police cruisers and rushed them to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, where they remain in critical condition.
Officer Tiffany Gayle, who responded to the scene in an attempt to aid her fellow officers, was also struck—shot in the hand. She was treated at Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and is expected to recover physically.
The shooter, Jeremy K. Brooks, reportedly possessed an “arsenal of weapons” and appeared to have meticulously planned the ambush. After exchanging gunfire with law enforcement, Brooks was found dead at the scene. Officials have not yet confirmed whether he was killed by return fire or died by suicide.
“This was a deliberate and unprovoked assault on our officers,” said Chief Failing during a Wednesday evening press conference. “The courage and quick action of other responding officers likely saved lives today.”
The Elyria Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from state and federal partners. Elyria Police Chief James Welsh confirmed that officers returned fire during the ambush, and multiple agencies including SWAT and drone units converged on the scene to ensure the area was secure.
As of now, the motive for the ambush is still under investigation. Authorities are exploring whether the attack was random or if the officers were individually targeted. Evidence recovered from the scene, including the weapons cache, points to a carefully orchestrated assault.
The incident has stunned the Lorain community and prompted an outpouring of support for the officers and their families. Local, state, and federal leaders have extended their prayers and support.
Mayor Jack Bradley spoke candidly about the violence, saying, “This was an attack not just on our officers, but on the entire community they serve and protect. We stand in solidarity with them and will pursue every angle to ensure justice is served.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact the Lorain Police Department or the Elyria Police Department.
For now, Lorain remains united—holding onto hope for the recovery of Officers Payne and Wagner, and honoring the bravery of all three officers who faced unthinkable danger in the line of duty.
Leave a Reply