Wednesday, January 6th, 2016
Officials probing possible crime scene
Bones found near Coldwater Creek south of Celina
By Daily Standard Staff
Photo by Mark Pummell/The Daily Standard
An investigator stands next to a communications truck east of U.S. 127 near Coldwater Creek this morning. The truck was one of at least nine law enforcement vehicles on the scene. A Mercer County Sheriff's Office report said bones had been found at the scene on Sunday.
By WILLIAM KINCAID
and JARED MAUCH
news@dailystandard.com
CELINA - Local and state officials are investigating the discovery of bones on Sunday near Coldwater Creek at Grand Lake, about 1.5 miles south of the city.
The investigation may suggest the "possibility of a crime," Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey told the newspaper this morning. He confirmed the evidence found was bones but released no other details.
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation personnel arrived today at the state-owned property, east of U.S. 127, to assist the sheriff's staff in collecting evidence, Grey said.
At least nine law enforcement vehicles, including a sheriff's patrol car, two crime scene investigation units, a communications truck and several unmarked vehicles, were at the scene this morning. The area was marked off with yellow tape.
Grey scheduled a news conference for this afternoon. His office, according to a sheriff's report, was alerted to the evidence at 2:25 p.m. Sunday by someone walking in the area. Deputies have been at the site the last few days and on Tuesday afternoon secured the area after determining the possibility of a crime, Grey said.
Officials believe they may have an active crime scene and want to keep bystanders out to preserve the area, he explained.
"We're being extremely cautious and not overlooking anything," Grey added.
His department requested assistance from BCI to utilize its equipment, additional manpower and expertise, he said.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio Division of Parks and the Mercer County coroner also have assisted in the investigation.
