By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Rittman Police Department Sergeant Scott Ries died Sunday evening after responding to a disturbance call around 9:30 p.m. at a residence on Chippewa Trail in Wayne County, Ohio, where the gunman opened fire on responding officers.
- Two additional officers and a Wayne County sheriff’s K-9 were injured during the shooting; the K-9 was reported in critical condition.
- The suspected gunman was found dead inside the home along with two other victims; identities of the additional deceased and the suspect have not been released.
- Ries served the Rittman Police Department with “honor and courage,” according to Mayor Rudy Arnold, and demonstrated “enduring commitment to protecting others.”
- The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation; law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio issued statements honoring Ries’ service and sacrifice.
RITTMAN, OHIO — Sergeant Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department died in the line of duty Sunday evening after officers responded to a reported disturbance at a residence in Wayne County, where a gunman opened fire on police personnel.
Ries was killed while responding to the call around 9:30 p.m. at a home on Chippewa Trail. Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered an armed suspect who discharged a firearm at responding personnel, striking Ries fatally.
Two additional officers sustained injuries during the gunfire exchange. A Wayne County sheriff’s K-9 was also wounded in the incident and was reported to be in critical condition.
The suspect was located deceased inside the home. Authorities also discovered two additional victims dead at the residence; identities and circumstances related to those deaths have not been released by law enforcement.
Mayor Rudy Arnold released a statement characterizing Ries’ service and commitment. “Sgt. Ries served the Rittman Police Department with honor and courage and an enduring commitment to protecting others. He gave everything to his community, and Rittman will not forget it,” Arnold said.
Wayne County Sheriff Thomas Ballinger provided information regarding the shooting to media outlets and coordinated law enforcement response.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation initiated an investigation into the shooting incident.
Law enforcement agencies throughout northeast Ohio released statements memorializing Ries. The Akron Police Department stated that Ries’ “courage and dedication to protecting others will never be forgotten” and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured officers and the wounded K-9.
Orrville Police Department stated there are “no words to cope with the loss of a fellow officer” and extended condolences to residents and families impacted by the violence.
North Canton Police Department acknowledged the inherent risks of law enforcement work and the pain of officer fatalities. South Euclid Police Chief Joseph Mays condemned the “senseless gun violence” and encouraged community members to thank police officers for their service.
Mayor Arnold addressed the community’s grief, stating that as a small town, Rittman grieves as one and is grateful for support from the community and law enforcement throughout Ohio.