PUT-IN-BAY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)— A 39-year-old man is dead following a shooting at a local bar early Thursday morning, prompting a multi-agency law enforcement response on South Bass Island.
Put-in-Bay police and emergency medical services were dispatched to Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille at 272 Delaware Ave. shortly after midnight on July 23, 2026. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 39-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Following the shooting, the Put-in-Bay Police Department requested assistance from the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Major Crimes Unit arrived on the island to lead the investigation, while the Ohio State Highway Patrol provided air support to assist in the search for the shooter.
At approximately 3:40 a.m., authorities took a suspect into custody. Officials confirmed that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing under the direction of the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. The Put-in-Bay Police Department has stated it will release no further information regarding the case. All further inquiries should be directed to the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office.