Full Breakdown
Rittman, Ohio Shooting Claims Four Lives, Including Officer Sgt. Scott Ries
7/7/2026, 2:20:34 AM
Incident Overview
At about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, 911 calls reported a disturbance and gunfire at a home on Chippewa Trail in Rittman, Ohio. Officers from Rittman Police, Wayne and Medina County sheriffs arrived and immediately took fire, leaving four dead and several injured.
Victims
Fatalities were Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54; suspect Brandon Fazekas, age 38-39; and civilians Christine McWilliams, age 43-44, and her 13-year-old daughter McKinley McWilliams. All were found dead inside the house.
Law Enforcement Response & Investigation
Four officers—three from Medina County and one from Hinckley—were wounded; two hospitalized, two treated on scene. Wayne County K-9 Vick was also injured. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation now leads a probe, collecting forensic evidence as the motive remains unknown.
Official Statements
Attorney General Andy Wilson called Sgt. Ries a career peace officer who “made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting his community.” Governor Mike DeWine and Mayor Rudy Arnold ordered flags at half-staff until the funeral. Police Chief Robert Shows called the loss “unimaginable” and thanked the community.
Criticism & Opposition
Jay McDonald, president of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, condemned the attack, urging an end to “the deliberate and targeted violence directed at the men and women who protect our communities.” He highlighted rising concern over ambushes on officers.
On-the-Ground Reports
Neighbors reported a lockdown until early morning, hearing “dozens of gunshots” and seeing SWAT vehicles, drones, and a barrage of bullets. Resident Cade Newkirk, 22, recalled hearing about 20 high-powered shots before sheltering in his basement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early reports omitted names and ages. Later releases named the victims but listed McWilliams as 43 or 44 and Fazekas as 38 or 39. Authorities have not confirmed if Fazekas was the child’s father, and the motive remains unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A career peace officer, Sgt. Ries dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. 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.” — Andy Wilson, Ohio Attorney General
- “Officers responded to the area and immediately started taking fire,” — Tom Ballinger, Wayne County Sheriff
- “The deliberate and targeted violence directed at the men and women who protect our communities must end,” — Jay McDonald, President, Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio
- “It's something we know too much about.” — Brent Payne, Lorain Police Officer
What’s Next
Sgt. Ries’s funeral is set for Monday; flags will stay at half-staff until sunset. BCI will continue forensic analysis and release findings as the investigation proceeds. Community vigils are planned.
