RITTMAN — Sgt. Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department was killed on July 5, 2026, during a shooting at a home in Rittman, Ohio. A suspect, the suspect's former partner, and her child also died in the incident, which resulted in four officers and a K-9 being wounded.

Two of the wounded officers were transported to a hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. The other wounded officers received treatment at the scene. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 involved in the shooting was in serious condition at the time of reporting. Three of the wounded officers were from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, and one officer was from the Hinckley Police Department.

Rittman Police Chief Robert Shows stated that officers encountered immediate gunfire upon their arrival at the scene. Sgt. Ries, who was 54 years old, had served 10 years with the Rittman Police Department. Before joining the Rittman force, he was a deputy sheriff for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and an officer for the Sugar Grove Police Department.

In response to the death of Sgt. Ries, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings and grounds throughout Wayne County, the Ohio Statehouse, and two other state buildings. The flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of Sgt. Ries’ funeral.