Sergeant Scott Ries - Rittman Police Department - Ohio
On July 5, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., several officers and deputies responded to a disturbance on Chippewa Trail in Rittman, Ohio, which resulted in a line of duty death of Sergeant Scott Ries.
Officers were responded to a disturbance in which a "break-in" and shots fired within a home were being reported. Responding officers immediately started taking fire when they arrived.
By the time the incident was over, Sergeant Scott Ries of the Rittman Police Department was shot and killed. Four other deputies from the Medina County Sheriff's Office were struck by gunfire. Two deputies were transported to a local hospital and were in stable condition. Two others were treated on scene and were released. K9 Vick from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office was also struck by gunfire and was transported to a local animal hospital for treatment.
The suspected shooter was found dead inside the home along with two victims, who officials identified as the suspect's ex-partner and her 13-year-old child.
Multiple Rittman police vehicles were towed, along with a Wayne County K-9 sheriff deputy vehicle, a Wooster police vehicle and a Smithville police vehicle. Bullet holes were seen in some of the vehicles.
Sergeant Scott Ries joined the Rittman Police Department as a full-time officer on April 12, 2018, after serving as a part-time officer from June 2015 through April 2018. Before joining Rittman, Ries served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office from 1996 to 2015, and also worked for the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County, from March 1995 through February 2002.
Prayers and condolences for Sgt Ries' family both at home as well as with the Rittman Police Department. We also pray for full and speedy recoveries for the wounded officers and K9 Vick. Prayers for the families involved on the civilian side.
As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" mission, full color custom slate memorial plaques were sent to the Rittman Police Department and to Sergeant Scott Ries' family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Rittman, Ohio. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.
