LORAIN — Three police officers were wounded and a man was killed in an exchange of gunfire early Wednesday afternoon in Lorain.
Two officers were life-flighted to a level one trauma center and are listed in critical condition, according to the Fraternal Order of Police. Another was taken to Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Elyria Police Chief James Welsh told reporters officers on patrol were ambushed by a man firing a high-powered rifle. Officers returned fire, Welsh said in a story published by The Associated Press.
Officials said it’s unclear if the suspect, a 28-year-old man from Lorain who was not named at the time of publication, was killed by the officers or shot himself. Welsh said the suspect was a lone gunman.
“I have been briefed on the horrible officer-involved shooting in Lorain, which appears to have been a targeted attack on law enforcement,” Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine said. “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.
“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.”
“This brazen assault is just the latest reminder of the danger our officers face every day,” Ohio Fraternal Order of Police President Jay McDonald said. “We ask everyone to pray for the recovery of our injured Lorain officers and support their families.
“We also support our Protect Ohio Police effort, which seeks to hold everyone who endangers law enforcement accountable.”
Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2105.
Anyone who wants to contribute funds for these officers and their families may do so by either mailing a check to “Lorain Police Officers Charitable Foundation” at 100 West Wire Ave. Lorain, Ohio 44052, or by using a credit or debit card and donating through the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio Foundation website, where all donations between now and Sept. 1 will go to those officers affected by this incident.
The site is: unionly.io/o/fopohio/officer-assistance-fund