PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — A 21-year-old Michigan man has been charged with murder following a deadly midnight shooting inside Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille, a venue that has now temporarily shuttered its doors in the wake of the rare island tragedy.
Deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office took Colton Smith, 21, of Brownstown, Michigan, into custody around 3:40 a.m. Thursday. Smith has since been formally charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old man inside the popular downtown bar.
As reported by WTOL 11, the shooting marks the first homicide on South Bass Island since 2011 and only the second in modern island history. Authorities confirmed they are not seeking any additional suspects.
The investigation was handed over to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Mr. Ed’s closes
In a statement released on Facebook Thursday, management at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille expressed “heavy hearts” and extended sympathies to the victim’s family, announcing that the business will temporarily close to process the tragedy and evaluate operations.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and island community,” the statement read. “Out of respect for everyone involved, and to allow the necessary time to assess the situation, our business will be temporarily closed. We believe this is the right step as we focus on safety, healing, and ensuring we move forward thoughtfully and responsibly.”
Management added that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement and are committed to reviewing “every aspect of our operations” to ensure the safest possible environment moving forward.
A shaken community
For visitors and island locals, the violence represents a jarring shift for an area widely viewed as a safe summer getaway.
Longtime visitors Johnny and Karen Breckel told WTOL 11 they have frequented the island four times a year since the early 1970s and have never seen crime scene tape in Put-in-Bay.
“It’s an anomaly,” Karen Breckel told WTOL. “It’s just a shame that it happened here, and I feel bad for the victim. And I wonder, why do you need to bring a gun to Put-in-Bay? It’s just a place you don’t need to protect yourself.”
Mr. Ed’s management noted they will provide updates on reopening as more details become available, concluding: “Our island may be small, but it is strong.”
Credit to WTOL 11 for local reporting on suspect identification and historical context. Updates will be posted as court records and formal statements become available.