PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — Put-in-Bay Police are investigating a shooting at Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille that left a 39-year-old man dead.
According to police, the shooting happened after midnight.
When police arrived, they found the man suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol used air support to help find the suspect, who has been identified as Colton Smith of Brownstown, Mich.
Smith was taken into custody by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office around 3:45 a.m. and is facing murder charges with a firearms specification in Ottawa County Municipal Court.
He initially appeared in court Thursday at 1 p.m. and had a bond set for $1 million.
Police said no other individuals are being sought.
Mr. Ed's Bar & Grille posted they will be temporarily closed following the shooting.
They posted the following statement on their Facebook page:
"To our guests, friends, employees, and community:
It is with heavy hearts that we share that a tragic incident occurred on our property. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the individual involved, their loved ones, and everyone who has been affected by this heartbreaking event.
Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and island community. While we are still processing what has happened, our immediate focus is on supporting those impacted and fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their work.
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.
This tragedy has deeply affected all of us. We are committed to reviewing every aspect of our operations and doing everything within our power to provide the safest possible environment.
We sincerely appreciate the compassion, patience, and understanding our island community has shown during this difficult time. Our island may be small but it is strong. We will continue to provide updates regarding our reopening as more information becomes available.
Thank you for keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts. We thank all of the law enforcement officers and EMS for working tirelessly and for their commitment to helping us move forward and support those affected.
We look forward to welcoming you back. Thank you for your understanding and support."
Community reaction
Witness Stacey Jones was inside the bar when the shooting broke out.
"Everyone started scrambling. Chairs were on the ground, and then I kind of froze," Jones said.
Jones said he watched the suspected shooter leave the scene.
"Saw a guy come out of the bathroom or walk out of the hallway. He was fumbling his book bag and then he just walked right out. And then lo and behold, that was the person who did the shooting," Jones said.
With the suspect still at large during that time, Jones said he was unsure what to do next.
"I was nervous obviously because he just walked right out, and he blended in. So, I'm nervous to walk home or to get in the taxi because I don't know where the guy's at," Jones said.
Put-in-Bay is a popular vacation destination this time of year. Jones said the shooting does not deter him from returning to the island, but he hopes local security gets an upgrade.
"I don't see why a man needs to bring a book bag into a crowded bar. That to me is a red flag from a security standpoint," Jones said.
