One Dead Following Overnight Shooting at Put-in-Bay Bar; Suspect Charged With Murder

Editor’s Note (Updated July 23, 2026, 4:15 p.m.): This article has been updated to include information from the suspect’s initial court appearance, including bond and the scheduled preliminary hearing.

A fatal shooting early Thursday morning at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille has left the Put-in-Bay community grieving as local, county, and state law enforcement agencies continue their investigation.

According to the Put-in-Bay Police Department, officers and Put-in-Bay EMS were dispatched shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 23, to a report of a shooting at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille, 272 Delaware Ave.

First responders found a 39-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he died from his injuries. Police confirmed no other individuals were injured.

Put-in-Bay officers immediately requested assistance from the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Deputies from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, investigators with the Major Crimes Unit, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol all responded to South Bass Island during the investigation.

Authorities said a suspect was taken into custody by members of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 3:40 a.m.

According to law enforcement, Colton Smith, 21, of Brownstone, Michigan, has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting. During his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon, a judge set Smith’s bond at $1 million (10% permitted). A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 31 at 1 p.m. Authorities said no additional suspects are being sought.

The investigation remains under the direction of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit. The Put-in-Bay Police Department has directed all further investigative inquiries to the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office.

Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille Responds

Later Thursday morning, Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille announced it would temporarily close while focusing on supporting those affected and cooperating with investigators.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that a tragic incident occurred on our property,” the business said in a public statement.

The restaurant added that the safety of its guests, employees, and the island community remains its highest priority and thanked law enforcement, EMS, and first responders for their response. Read their full statement here.

Community Leaders Express Condolences

The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau also released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s loved ones and everyone affected by the tragedy.

The Chamber thanked the Put-in-Bay Police Department, Put-in-Bay EMS, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and all first responders for their professionalism throughout the incident.

The organization also encouraged the public to respect the ongoing investigative process while authorities continue their work. Read their full statement here.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive. Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten said investigators do not believe the suspect and victim knew one another, and the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue interviewing witnesses.