Four people, including a police sergeant, were killed during a late-night shooting at a home in northern Ohio, and four additional law enforcement officers were injured, authorities said. The incident unfolded Sunday night in Rittman, a city in Wayne County about 20 miles southwest of Akron.
Law enforcement officials said officers were responding to a reported break-in when they came under heavy gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene.
Incident
According to a joint statement from Rittman Police Chief Robert Shows, Wayne County Sheriff Thomas Ballinger, and Medina County Sheriff Terry Grice, police were dispatched around 10 p.m. following a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at a residence.
When officers arrived, they were met with an immediate barrage of gunfire. Sheriff Ballinger said during a news conference that responding officers began taking fire as soon as they reached the home.
Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, was killed while responding to the call. Authorities said the suspected shooter also died, along with two other people described as victims. Investigators have not said whether those individuals lived at the home.
Officers Injured
Four additional officers were struck by gunfire during the exchange. Officials said three of the wounded officers were from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office and one was from the Hinckley Police Department.
Two of the officers were transported to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition on Monday. The other two officers were treated at the scene and did not require hospitalization.
A police K-9 with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, identified as K-9 Vick, was also shot and remains in serious condition, according to officials.
| Affected | Status |
|---|---|
| Sgt. Scott Ries | Killed |
| Suspected shooter | Killed |
| Two other civilians | Killed |
| Four officers | Injured |
| Police K-9 | Serious condition |
Sergeant Ries
Sgt. Ries was a 10-year veteran of the Rittman Police Department. Authorities said he previously served as a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and as an officer with the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described Ries as a career peace officer who dedicated his life to public service. In a statement, Wilson said Ries made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community.
Local and state leaders also issued messages of condolence, offering support to Ries’ family, fellow officers, and the Rittman community.
Scene
Multiple law enforcement vehicles at the scene were damaged by gunfire, including cruisers from the Rittman, Wooster, and Smithville police departments, as well as the sheriff’s office. Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents were called in to assist with the investigation.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not released the names of the other people killed or provided additional details about the suspect. Investigators said more information would be shared as it becomes available.
Community Response
Officials across Ohio expressed sympathy and support following the shooting. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the region was mourning alongside Rittman, while law enforcement organizations posted messages honoring the fallen officer and those injured.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not announced whether charges would have been filed had the suspect survived.
FAQs
Where did the shooting occur?
At a home in Rittman, Ohio, in Wayne County.
How many people were killed?
Four people, including a police sergeant, were killed.
How many officers were injured?
Four officers were shot during the incident.
Who was the officer killed?
Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries was killed in the line of duty.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, state and local authorities are still investigating.
