NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH – A restaurant and bar in northeast Ohio held a fundraising event earlier in August meant to benefit the families of the Lorain Police officers who were caught in an ambush in late July, which left one officer dead and two others injured, as reported by Cleveland's 19 News.
On the afternoon of July 23rd, two Lorain Police officers were ambushed while having lunch inside of their patrol vehicles near “the dead end of an undeveloped industrial park,” according to reports. The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker, apparently toted an assortment of “high-powered rifles, handguns, and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines,” according to authorities, and had opened fire on the officers seemingly without warning.
Additional units responded to the scene, with the outcome of the incident resulting in Parker being fatally shot by police and three Lorain Police officers being shot by the suspect. During the shootout, 35-year-old Officer Phillip Wagner was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to an area hospital. The other two officers, 51-year-old Peter Gale and 47-year-old Brent Payne, have since been treated for their sustained injuries and are actively recovering.
In the fallout of the tragic shooting, locals within the northeast town of Ohio have been actively supporting the officers and their families, with the Between the Bun restaurant and bar in North Ridgeville being among the community businesses that have stepped up to help the families during this difficult time. On August 7th, the eatery held a “Dine to Donate” event at the establishment, where a portion of all sales was donated directly to the families of officers Wagner, Payne, and Gale.
Speaking to local news outlet 19 News, the daughter of Between the Bun’s owner, Aleigha Rutherford, said the passing of Officer Wagner was particularly painful due to the personal connection she had as a child with the fallen officer’s family. “Actually, Phil’s wife, the officer who…unfortunately passed away, actually kind of helped raise me, right at their church,” Rutherford stated, adding, “It’s hit a lot closer to home this time.”
Rutherford was pleased to see the community come together to support these officers’ families in light of the recent tragedy, saying, “I just hope the community stays this way, it’s been so beautiful to see.”
On the afternoon of July 23rd, two Lorain Police officers were ambushed while having lunch inside of their patrol vehicles near “the dead end of an undeveloped industrial park,” according to reports. The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Michael Parker, apparently toted an assortment of “high-powered rifles, handguns, and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines,” according to authorities, and had opened fire on the officers seemingly without warning.
Additional units responded to the scene, with the outcome of the incident resulting in Parker being fatally shot by police and three Lorain Police officers being shot by the suspect. During the shootout, 35-year-old Officer Phillip Wagner was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to an area hospital. The other two officers, 51-year-old Peter Gale and 47-year-old Brent Payne, have since been treated for their sustained injuries and are actively recovering.
In the fallout of the tragic shooting, locals within the northeast town of Ohio have been actively supporting the officers and their families, with the Between the Bun restaurant and bar in North Ridgeville being among the community businesses that have stepped up to help the families during this difficult time. On August 7th, the eatery held a “Dine to Donate” event at the establishment, where a portion of all sales was donated directly to the families of officers Wagner, Payne, and Gale.
Speaking to local news outlet 19 News, the daughter of Between the Bun’s owner, Aleigha Rutherford, said the passing of Officer Wagner was particularly painful due to the personal connection she had as a child with the fallen officer’s family. “Actually, Phil’s wife, the officer who…unfortunately passed away, actually kind of helped raise me, right at their church,” Rutherford stated, adding, “It’s hit a lot closer to home this time.”
Rutherford was pleased to see the community come together to support these officers’ families in light of the recent tragedy, saying, “I just hope the community stays this way, it’s been so beautiful to see.”
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments