A Rittman police officer was shot and killed and three other law enforcement officers were wounded after they came under gunfire while responding to a disturbance Sunday night, July 5, according to the Wayne County sheriff.
Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger confirmed to Jordan Miller News that the officer was killed in the line of duty. Three additional officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire, including Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Officer Vic.
Ballinger said the suspect was also killed. Two additional people died during the incident, bringing the total number of deaths to four.
According to Ballinger, officers were dispatched at about 9:30 p.m. to a reported disturbance involving gunfire. When officers arrived at the scene, they were immediately met with gunfire.
Authorities have not released the identities of the fallen officer, the suspect or the two additional victims. The conditions of the three injured officers have not been released.
Steve Irwin, spokesperson for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, previously confirmed to Jordan Miller News that BCI was called to assist with the investigation. BCI routinely investigates officer-involved shootings in Ohio.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. Officials are expected to provide additional information during a news conference.
Jordan Miller News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
