RITTMAN, Ohio — Authorities have identified Brandon Fazekas, 38, as the suspect in the deadly shooting in Rittman, Ohio, that left four people dead, including a veteran police sergeant, a mother, and her teenage daughter, while also injuring four SWAT officers and a police K-9

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Fazekas was found dead inside the residence where the shooting unfolded Sunday night.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading the ongoing investigation into the officer-involved critical incident.

According to investigators, the incident began at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when Rittman Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at a residence in the 90 block of Chippewa Trail.

When officers arrived, they were immediately met with gunfire, prompting a large-scale response involving the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Authorities said four people died during the incident:

Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, a veteran officer with the Rittman Police Department who was killed in the line of duty. Ries had served with the department for 10 years and was promoted to sergeant in 2023.

Christine McWilliams, 44, identified as Fazekas’ former partner.
McKinley McWilliams, Christine’s 13-year-old daughter.
Brandon Fazekas, 38, the suspected gunman, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have not yet released details regarding how Fazekas died.

In addition to the fatalities, four members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT Team were struck by gunfire while responding to the active shooter incident.

Officials said:

Two deputies were transported to a local hospital and remain in stable condition.
Two additional deputies were treated at the scene for injuries and later released.

Authorities have not released the identities of the injured officers.

During the exchange of gunfire, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick, a Belgian Malinois, was also shot while assisting law enforcement officers.

According to Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger, the bullet struck Vick in the rear hip before fragmenting, with one fragment lodging dangerously close to the dog’s spine.

Vick remains in serious condition at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Copley Township, where veterinarians are focused on stabilizing him before determining whether surgery can safely be performed.

Sheriff Ballinger described Vick as “a very valuable asset” to the department and praised the K-9’s unwavering loyalty to both his handler and fellow deputies.

The tragedy has deeply impacted the Rittman community and law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio.

On Monday afternoon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered that U.S. and Ohio flags at all public buildings in Wayne County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower be lowered to half-staff in honor of Sgt. Scott Ries. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of his funeral.

A law enforcement procession honoring Sgt. Ries was held Monday, followed by a community vigil outside the Rittman Police Department. Local schools and community organizations are also providing support to the McWilliams family during this difficult time.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) continues to process the scene, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to one of the deadliest incidents in recent Wayne County history.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive, and the investigation remains active.

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office noted that its K-9 program is funded separately from its operating budget.

Officials continue to ask for patience as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of Sgt. Scott Ries, Christine McWilliams, McKinley McWilliams, and Brandon Fazekas while leaving multiple officers and K-9 Vick injured.