Rittman officer Sgt. Scott Ries killed in Wayne County shooting, two deputies injured

Sgt. Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department was shot and killed Sunday night in Wayne County, Ohio. Two deputies and a K-9 were also injured; the suspect and two other victims are dead.

Northeast Ohio law enforcement mourns Rittman sergeant killed in line-of-duty shooting

Sgt. Scott Ries, a veteran officer with the Rittman Police Department in Wayne County, Ohio, was shot and killed Sunday night while responding to a break-in with shots fired on Chippewa Trail, fox8.com reports. Two additional victims and the suspect were also confirmed dead. Four Wayne County Sheriff's deputies and a police K-9 were injured in the incident.

Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger said officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, deputies immediately came under fire.

By Monday morning, police departments across Northeast Ohio had taken to social media to express their condolences to the Rittman Police Department and the families of those affected.

Bainbridge Township Police Department said the department was "deeply saddened" by the loss. "Bainbridge Police sends thoughts and prayers to the officer's family, loved ones, the Rittman Police Department and the surrounding community," the statement read, adding that officers and the injured K-9 from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office were also being kept in mind.

Beachwood Police Department extended its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer. "We honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who answer the call to serve others each day," the department stated, also wishing a full recovery to the injured officers and the K-9.

One department's statement noted that in addition to Ries, two deputies and a police K-9 were injured, and that the call for service also claimed the lives of other victims beyond the suspect.

Brook Park Police Department described the loss as "unimaginable," and directed prayers toward the full recovery of the injured officers. The department also addressed residents directly, affirming that its officers "remain steadfast" in their commitment to public safety. "The dangers of this profession are real, and tragedies like this remind us of the profound sacrifices that police officers and their families make," the statement read.

Cuyahoga Falls Police Department called the shooting "a solemn reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day." Its statement closed with the phrase common among officers paying tribute to the fallen: "Rest easy, Officer. We have the watch."

Another department described the events of Sunday night as an "absolute tragedy," extending condolences to the family and colleagues of the officer "who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."

Highland Hills Police Department echoed that sentiment, calling Sunday night "another heartbreaking reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every time they put on the badge," and offering condolences to the Rittman Police Department as they mourned "the loss of one of their own."

Several departments noted at the time of their statements that the fallen officer's name had not yet been officially released, though subsequent reporting confirmed the officer as Sgt. Scott Ries.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)