Officer-Involved Critical Incident – Rittman, Ohio
RITTMAN, Ohio — At approximately 9:54 p.m. on July 5, officers from the Rittman Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at 90 Chippewa Trail in Rittman.
Upon arrival, responding officers immediately came under gunfire. Assistance was requested from and provided by multiple law enforcement agencies from Medina, Wayne, and Summit counties. The suspect, Brandon Fazekas, 39, and two victims, Christine McWilliams, 44, and McKinley McWilliams, 13, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
During the incident, Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries was killed in the line of duty. Sgt. Ries was a 10-year veteran of the Rittman Police Department and 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.
Four members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team were struck by gunfire while responding to the incident. Two officers were transported to a local hospital, treated for their injuries, and released. The other two officers were treated at the scene. K-9 Vick of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office was also struck by gunfire and remains in serious condition.
The incident is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The investigation remains active and ongoing. All media inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
