A police officer was shot and killed in Ohio over the weekend.
Police in the city of Rittman responded to a break-in late Sunday evening, where they were immediately met with gunfire. Four people were killed, including the suspect, a mother and daughter, and Rittman police Sergeant Scott Ries, a 10-year veteran of the force. A memorial was held, and flags were lowered to half staff in memory of Sgt. Ries.
According to a joint news release from the Rittman Police Department and the Wayne and Medina County Sheriff's Department, Rittman police were dispatched to a home in the city at around 9:54 p.m. Sunday night after receiving a 911 call about a break-in. Local police were assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies from Wayne, Medina, and Summit Counties.
The suspect immediately opened fire on the officers upon their arrival at the scene. Body cam footage included with the news release showed police taking cover behind a Sheriff's Department vehicle while attempting to deploy a drone, while gunshots ring out in the background.
Also killed in the shootout was Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries. Ries served the Rittman Police Department for 10 years; before that, he served as a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office and as an officer with the Police Department in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County.
Four other officers, members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team, were hit by gunfire during the shootout. Two of them were treated at the scene, while two others were treated at local hospitals and released shortly afterward. A Wayne County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit, Vick, was also shot and was still in serious condition as of Monday.
The incident is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Rittman Mayor Rudy Arnold issued a proclamation Monday declaring flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of his burial. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a similar proclamation for the buildings in Wayne County and the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, and Rhodes State Office Tower for the same time period.
“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.”