RITTMAN, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victims of a deadly shooting in Wayne County that claimed the lives of a Rittman police sergeant, a mother, and her teenage daughter, while leaving four law enforcement officers injured.
The Wayne County Coroner’s Office identified the civilian victims as Christine McWilliams, 43, and her daughter, McKinley McWilliams, 13, who were found dead inside a home on Chippewa Trail late Sunday night. Officials said Christine McWilliams was the former partner of the suspected gunman.
The fallen officer has been identified as Sgt. Scott Ries, a veteran of the Rittman Police Department with more than a decade of service. Ries was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire while responding to reports of a shooting at a residence in the 90 block of Chippewa Trail shortly before 10 p.m.
Authorities said the suspected gunman, Brandon Fazekas, 38, was also found dead inside the home. According to the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, he died from a gunshot wound consistent with suicide.
Four Officers Injured, K-9 Shot
A joint statement from the Rittman Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that four members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team were struck by gunfire during the response.
Two officers were transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General for treatment and have since been released. Two additional officers were treated at the scene for their injuries.
A Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Vick, was also shot during the incident and remained in serious condition as of Monday afternoon, officials said.
Investigation Ongoing
The shooting triggered a large-scale law enforcement response, leading to the temporary lockdown of part of the city Sunday night. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has taken over the investigation into the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Community Mourns Fallen Officer
On Monday morning, flowers were placed outside the Rittman Police Department as community members honored Sgt. Ries. The department’s flag was lowered to half-staff in his memory.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Ries previously served as a deputy with the sheriff’s office and as a police officer with the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County before joining the Rittman Police Department.
In a statement, the City of Rittman praised Ries’ dedication to public service.
“Sgt. Ries served the Rittman Police Department with honor and courage. Throughout his service, Sgt. Ries demonstrated an enduring commitment to protecting others and upholding the values of our department.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine the events that led to the deadly shooting.
