BREAKING: Deadly midnight shooting at Mr. Ed’s
Bar & Grille Leaves 39-Year-Old Dead, Suspect in Custody
PUT-IN-BAY — A quiet summer night on South Bass Island erupted into gunfire early Thursday morning, leaving a 39-year-old man dead inside one of Put-in-Bay’s most popular downtown establishments.
According to a media release issued by the Put-in-Bay Police Department, officers and Put-in-Bay EMS responded shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to reports of a shooting at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille, located at 272 Delaware Ave.
Upon arrival, first responders located a 39-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Police confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the incident.
Overnight Manhunt & Early Morning Arrest
Following the shooting, Put-in-Bay police called in regional and state law enforcement agencies to assist with the homicide investigation and secure the island.
Deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) were dispatched to South Bass Island via emergency transport. In addition, the Ohio State Highway Patrol provided aviation support, conducting aerial surveillance across the island during the search for the gunman.
The multi-agency search concluded at approximately 3:40 a.m., when members of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office located and took a male suspect into custody.
Authorities emphasized that no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the homicide.
Investigation Transferred to County Authorities
The Put-in-Bay Police Department stated that the ongoing homicide investigation has been turned over entirely to the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Local police indicated that no further official updates will be issued by the village department, directing all future inquiries to the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office.
As of Thursday morning, authorities have not released the identity of the 39-year-old victim, pending family notification, nor have they released the name of the suspect or potential motives behind the shooting.
This is a developing story. Updates will be published as official statements are released by the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office.