Brandon Fazekas has been identified as the suspect in a deadly Wayne County shooting that left four people dead, including a Rittman police sergeant, as Ohio authorities continue their investigation.
Deadly Shooting Unfolds in Wayne County
Law enforcement officers responded to reports of a disturbance and shots fired late Sunday night in the 90 block of Chippewa Trail in Rittman, Ohio.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, responding officers immediately came under gunfire after arriving at the scene. Authorities identified the suspected gunman as Brandon Fazekas, who was later found dead. The victims were identified as Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries, 54, Christine McWilliams, 44, and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley McWilliams. Four Medina County sheriff’s deputies were also shot, with two hospitalized in stable condition and two treated at the scene.
Investigation Underway
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Investigators are working to:
- Establish a complete timeline of the shooting
- Process forensic evidence from the scene
- Interview witnesses and responding officers
- Determine the events leading to the gunfire
- Review all available physical and digital evidence
Officials said the investigation remains active, and additional details will be released as they are confirmed.
Community Impact
The shooting has deeply affected the Rittman community and surrounding areas.
The incident resulted in:
- The death of a Rittman police sergeant
- The deaths of a mother and her teenage daughter
- Four wounded sheriff’s deputies
- A large multi-agency law enforcement response
- Community vigils honoring the victims
Authorities also reported that a Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was seriously injured during the incident.
Public Safety Advisory
Officials encouraged residents to:
- Follow updates from official law enforcement agencies
- Avoid spreading unverified information
- Cooperate with investigators if requested
- Respect road closures and active investigation areas
Authorities stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues processing the crime scene and interviewing witnesses as detectives work to determine the full sequence of events.
Additional information is expected to be released as investigators complete their examination and official reports become available.
Conclusion
The Brandon Fazekas shooting remains under active investigation after a deadly night of violence in Wayne County claimed four lives, including a veteran Rittman police sergeant.
State investigators continue gathering evidence as the community mourns the victims and supports the injured deputies.
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