CELINA, Ohio (WLIO) — A man was found dead in Grand Lake St. Marys on Saturday morning, and Celina police believe he may be a burglary suspect they pursued on Christmas night.
Police say the body of an unidentified Black male was discovered around 9 a.m. Saturday. He is described as being about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. Authorities say he did not have any identification on him.
According to Celina police, an officer responded to a car alarm at Bud’s Chrysler around 7 p.m. on Christmas. When the officer arrived, he noticed a person inside a pickup truck on the lot who appeared to be attempting to steal it. Police say the suspect was wearing a mask and fled on foot when approached by the officer. A search of the area was conducted, but the suspect was not located at that time.
On Friday at approximately 4:45 p.m., a nearby resident reviewed home security footage and reported seeing the suspect climb over a retaining wall and enter Grand Lake St. Marys without ever exiting the water.
First responders began searching the area Friday evening, but the search was suspended due to darkness. Crews resumed the search Saturday morning and located the body around 9 a.m.
The man was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for identification and an official cause of death.
Police say burglary tools were recovered during the investigation, including a device used to reprogram a vehicle’s security and ignition system.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Celina Police Department at 419-586-2345 and ask for Detective Poppe, or email a.poppe@celinaohiopd.gov.
Media Release from the Celina Police Department
On December 25, 2025, shortly after 7:00 p.m., Celina Police were dispatched to Bud’s Chrysler, located at 945 S. Main Street, Celina, in response to a reported car alarm. Upon arrival, an officer observed an individual inside a pickup truck on the dealership lot. As the officer approached, the individual fled on foot.
The suspect, described as a masked male, ran east across U.S. Route 127 toward West Bank Road, passing the Community Medical Center and continuing through nearby residential properties. The responding officer ultimately lost sight of the suspect in that area. A search was conducted; however, the suspect was not located. Further investigation revealed the individual had attempted to steal the pickup truck from Bud’s Chrysler.
On December 26, 2025, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a nearby resident reviewed personal security footage after noticing prior police activity in the area. The footage showed the same individual who had fled from police. Officers reviewed the video and observed the suspect ducking behind a retaining wall to hide from police and, a short time later, jumping into Grand Lake. The individual was not seen exiting the water.
Another search was conducted; however, darkness hampered visibility, making it difficult to determine whether anyone remained in the water. Officers continued to monitor and patrol the area.
On December 27, 2025, shortly after 9:00 a.m., the Celina Fire Department assisted with an additional search and located a body in Grand Lake. The body was recovered and found to be without identification. Burglary tools were also recovered, including a device believed to be used to reprogram a vehicle’s security and ignition system.
The deceased is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and possibly in his 30s. The body has been transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for autopsy and positive identification.
Anyone with information related to this incident or who may be able to assist in identifying the deceased is asked to contact Detective A.J. Poppe at the Celina Police Department at 419-586-2345 or via email at a.poppe@celinaohiopd.gov.
The Celina P.D. thanks the Mercer Co. Sheriff’s Office, Celina Fire Dept. and Mercer Co, Coroner Dr. Alysa Tobe for all assistance in this matter.
