ELYRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE RE: OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING UNDER INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING ARMED ENGAGEMENT IN LORAIN
JAMES P. WELSH, POLICE CHIEF
KEVIN A. BRUBAKER, MAYOR
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Lorain, Ohio – The Elyria Police Department is leading an ongoing investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the City of Lorain on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The incident began at approximately 1:04 PM, when Lorain Police Department officers responded to a radio broadcast of shots fired by an on-duty officer in the area of River Bend Drive.
As additional Lorain Police Officers arrived on scene, they were met with significant gunfire from a suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker of Lorain, Ohio. Officers returned fire during the exchange, which ultimately resulted in Parker sustaining a fatal injury. Three Lorain Police officers were also struck by gunfire, along with their patrol vehicles. The injured officers were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Due to the severity of the incident, Lorain PD requested mutual aid. Numerous law enforcement agencies, including tactical teams, responded and conducted a coordinated search of surrounding areas to confirm there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
Once the scene was secured, the Elyria Police Department Investigative Unit, with assistance from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), initiated an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Preliminary findings indicate that Parker had parked his vehicle near the dead end of River Bend Drive. Located inside and around the vehicle were multiple high-powered rifles, handguns, and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines. While securing the vehicle, law enforcement personnel observed suspicious baggage, raising concerns about possible explosive devices.
The Lorain County Bomb Squad was contacted and responded to the scene. Upon further inspection, bomb technicians discovered a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials within the vehicle. The materials were safely removed and disposed of through a controlled detonation away from the crime scene.