Fundraisers organized to assist families affected by July 5 shooting in Rittman

FROM RITTMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FACEBOOK PAGE

Gazette & News staff report

RITTMAN  Four people died July 5 and law enforcement officers were injured at a Rittman home and the community quickly rallied together to support the victims’ families. 

Just before 10 p.m. July 5, officers from the Rittman Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired at 90 Chippewa Trail in Rittman, according to a joint release from the Wayne and Medina county sheriff’s offices.

The news release states that responding officers immediately came under gunfire. Assistance was requested from many law enforcement agencies from Medina, Wayne and Summit counties. 

The suspect, Brandon Fazekas, 39, and two victims, Christine McWilliams, 43, and McKinley Williams, 13, were pronounced deceased at the scene, the release states.

During the incident, Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries was killed in the line of duty. Four members of the Medina/Wayne County SWAT were struck by gunfire while responding. Two officers were treated at a local hospital for injuries and released. Two officers were treated at the scene. K-9 Vick of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office was also struck by gunfire and was listed in serious condition. 

The incident is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Investigation. 

A Rittman Strong Community Food Truck Fundraiser as well as other fundraisers have been organized to support the families affected by the tragic events of July 5. According to Rittman Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, the food truck fundraiser is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 13 at Martin Fritz Memorial Park with food trucks and other vendors as well as local organizations offering information and resources. Proceeds were to benefit the families of Ries, McWilliams and other victims, a post on the Facebook page states. 

A Memorial Golf Outing has been organized for Friday, July 31 to honor the lives of Sgt. Scott Ries, Christie McWilliams and McKinley McWilliams. More information is available on the Rittman Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Christie M. McWilliams, 43, of Rittman, was born in Barberton. She was a graduate of Rittman High School and continued her education at the University of Mount Union, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse credential, according to her obituary on Auble Funeral Homes website. She worked in medical credentialing and as a real estate agent with Howard Hanna.

“Above all else, Christie found her greatest happiness in being a mother to Landon and McKinley,” according to the obituary. “She was her children’s biggest supporter and could always be found cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines at McKinley’s sporting events. Her unwavering love, encouragement, and devotion to her family will be remembered always.”

McKinley McWilliams, 13, of Rittman, was born in Medina to Dan and Christie McWilliams and attended Norwayne Middle School, “where her bright personality and kind heart made a lasting impression on classmates and friends,” her obituary states at www.aublefuneralhomes.com. She and her mom enjoyed country music and McKinley played softball and volleyball and loved to draw and was close to her brother, Landon, and two beloved cats. 

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson issued the following statement regarding the death of Ries:

“A career peace officer, Sgt. Ries dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. 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.”

Ries, 54, of Marshallville, was born in Barberton. He graduated from Chippewa High School before attending the Ohio State University and later Hocking College. 

“His courage, compassion, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him,” according to his obituary on Auble Funeral Homes website. 

Ries was a “dedicated family man,” his obituary states, and he was community-oriented and coached young athletes. He was a member of the Doylestown Lions Club, the Chippewa High School Athletic Booster Club, and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 94. 

Ries was a 10-year veteran of the Rittman Police Department. He previously served as a deputy sheriff for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and an officer for the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County.

The Rittman Police Department requested assistance from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation to investigate the officer-involved critical incident, the news release from the Attorney General’s office states.