A Sunday night shooting in left three people dead, including a police sergeant, a mother, and her 13-year-old daughter. Several sheriff’s deputies and a police K-9 were also wounded.
Authorities said officers were called to a home in Rittman, Ohio at approximately 9:30 p.m. after a 911 call reported a break-in and shots fired.
When officers arrived, they came under immediate gunfire.
Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, was killed in the line of duty. Ries was a 10-year veteran of the Rittman Police Department. Rittman is a small town of just 6,000 in Northeast Ohio. He had previously served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County.
Also killed were Christine McWilliams, 44, and her daughter, McKinley McWilliams, 13.
Authorities identified the suspect as Brandon Fazekas, 39. He also died during the incident.
Deputies and K-9 Wounded
Four officers from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office were shot and wounded.s a
Two were treated at a local hospital and later released. Two others were treated at the scene.
A Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 named Vick was also shot and seriously injured.
Captain Paul Brumme later shared a positive update, saying Vick was expected to be released from Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Copley to continue recovering at home.
“Vick was hit by bullet fragments from shots being fired by the suspect that struck his back, very near to his spine, along with another fragment going into his chest area,” Brumme said. “We were advised nothing vital was struck, however there are still issues to monitor as a result.”
Attorney General Honors Fallen Sergeant
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued a statement honoring Sgt. Ries.
“A career peace officer, Sgt. Ries dedicated his life to serving and protecting others,” Wilson said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community. My prayers are with his family, his fellow officers and everyone at the Rittman Police Department.”
The Rittman Police Department requested assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which is now investigating the officer-involved critical incident.
Victims Remembered
Christine McWilliams was described by coworkers as a respected real estate professional.
Authorities said Fazekas was her former boyfriend.
The shooting claimed not only the life of McWilliams, but also her teenage daughter, McKinley.
The deaths have left the Rittman community grieving, while law enforcement agencies across Ohio are mourning the loss of Sgt. Ries.
Suspect Had Previous Arrests
Records show Fazekas had previous arrests in both Wayne and Medina counties.
In Medina County, he had previously faced charges involving breaking and entering, vandalism, forgery, and a probation violation that resulted in a jail sentence.
In Wayne County, he had faced lesser charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and speeding.
Authorities said the July 5 shooting remains under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
