RITTMAN, Ohio — Four people, including a Rittman police officer and the suspected gunman, were killed during a shooting Sunday night that also left two other law enforcement officers and a police K-9 injured.
Authorities said officers responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 9:30 p.m. Sunday. According to Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger, officers came under gunfire almost immediately after arriving at the scene.
The Rittman Police Department identified the fallen officer as Sgt. Scott Ries, who was killed while responding to the call.
In a statement released Monday morning, the department said Sgt. Ries served the community with honor and courage throughout his law enforcement career and was deeply committed to protecting others.
Officials confirmed that two additional victims were killed during the incident, along with the suspected shooter. Their identities have not yet been released.
Two deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and a police K-9 also suffered injuries during the response. Authorities have not released the extent of their injuries.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has taken the lead in the investigation, which remains active.
Officials have not yet released additional details about what led to the shooting or the events that unfolded before officers arrived.
