Mansfield Police Officers responded to a shooting at Secretz Bar & Grille located at 261 Bowman Street on Saturday, March 1. A victim was located inside the bar with suspected gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Med-Central Hospital by MFD where he was pronounced dead.
Mansfield Crime Lab Technician Cindy Reed recovered at least three bullets embedded in the wall of the bar. Crime Lab Director Tony Tambasco processed the scene for other evidence. Over 90 patrons were suspected of being inside the bar when the shooting occurred.
Mansfield detectives were able to identify the suspect as Demetrius A. Lyles, a black male, 23 years of age. Officers from the Mansfield Police Department, NOVFT, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario Police Department, and ASORT/HGT began searching and developing information about the suspect’s whereabouts.
A felony warrant for Aggravated Murder was issued for Demetrius A. Lyles.
A few hours later Lyles turned himself into the NOVFT (Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force) and Mansfield Police Officers. He surrendered in the area of 135 Sunny slope Drive. Mansfield detectives believe they have recovered a firearm and other evidence used in the homicide. The evidence was found in a creek at John Todd Park, which is located at 20 Bowers Avenue.
The suspect indicated that this incident was a continuation of an unreported occurrence, between him and the victim, which involved a firearm nearly a month ago. The case continues to be under investigation. Anyone with information about either incident is encouraged to call Detective Parrella at 419-755-9470.
Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz stated the suspect’s identification/arrest was a result of multi-jurisdictional coordination between all of the local police agencies. He stated the Mansfield Police Department will coordinate with Law Director Spon’s Office to review the operations of Secretz Bar.