Celina Police Department

06/02/2026

**UPDATE**Subject has been identified. Thank you for all of your assistance!

We are asking for assistance with identifying the individual in the attached photo. If you recognize this individual, please give us a call at 419-586-2345 and reference the label.

Patrolman Nelson is handling the investigation.

Thank you for your help!

05/27/2026

05/08/2026

It is with deep sadness that the Celina Police Department announces the passing of retired K-9 Peng.

K-9 Peng faithfully served the community for nine years before retiring on December 30, 2024. Throughout his career, Peng served alongside his handler, Sergeant Gabe Bartlett, who partnered with him from the very beginning. Sgt. Bartlett welcomed Peng into his home during his entire service career and officially adopted him following his retirement, continuing to care for him until his passing.

K-9 Peng passed away on May 7, 2026.

The members of the Celina Police Department extend our heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Bartlett and his family during this difficult time. Peng’s loyal service and dedication to our department and community will not be forgotten.

04/21/2026

We would like to announce and welcome our third sponsored cadet David Richardson, to the police department. David was sponsored by the city to attend the Wright State Lake Campus police academy and graduated earlier this month.

Today, David was sworn in as a police officer for the city by Mayor Jeff Hazel. He is also pictured with Chief Tom Wale.

David graduated from Jackson, Ohio before serving in the United States Marine Corp for five years active duty. David then continued to serve his country by joining the National Guard in October of 2022 and continues to serve in that capacity today.

Please help us welcome David to Celina!

04/16/2026

We would like to announce the swearing in of two of our recent sponsored cadets this morning. Mayor Jeff Hazel swore in P.J. Wyatt and Seth Heindel as our newest Patrolmen.

PJ and Seth are two of the three sponsored cadets that recently graduated from Wright State Lake Campus Police Academy and passed the State of Ohio peace officer exam. Our third cadet will be sworn in next week.

PJ Wyatt graduated from Celina and Seth Heindel from Parkway. We are proud to have them on to the police department!

04/11/2026

We are aware of the current phone issues. We are working on getting this taken care of. Thank you.

04/06/2026

The Celina Police Department is looking for help in identifying these 3 persons of interest. Please call, comment or message if you know any of these people. Thank you!

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All 3 have been identified. Thank you for you help!

03/27/2026

As of 8:30pm we are aware of the current power outages. Please refrain from contacting the police department regarding these outages. Electric department has been made aware. Thank you.

03/26/2026

Domestic Violence / Fleeing and Resisting Arrest

On March 26, 2026, at approximately 7:39 a.m., officers of the Celina Police Department responded to a report of a domestic violence incident at 1008 Kensington Lane. While the victim was on 9-1-1 requesting assistance, the suspect, 21-year-old Devan Michael Thobe, fled the residence on foot.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the 19-year-old female victim, who displayed visible injuries and reported being punched in the throat.

Officers began searching the surrounding area for Thobe. He was located behind a medical office on Meadowview Drive. Upon seeing officers, Thobe fled on foot into a field east of Meadowview Drive, north of Myers Road. After a brief foot pursuit, officers apprehended him without further incident.

Thobe is currently being held at the Mercer County Jail on charges of Domestic Violence (Misdemeanor of the First Degree) and Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor of the Second Degree). The Domestic Violence charge is expected to be elevated to a felony pending further review by the Mercer County Prosecutor, Erin Minor.