Body Recovered from Grand Lake May Be Linked to Christmas Night Theft Attempt in Celina

Celina Police say a body recovered from Grand Lake over the weekend may be the same individual who fled officers following an attempted vehicle theft on Christmas night.

Police were called just after 7 p.m. December 25 to Bud’s Chrysler on South Main Street for a car alarm. An officer saw a person inside a pickup truck, who then ran from the scene. The masked suspect fled east across U.S. 127 toward West Bank Road and was not located after an initial search. Investigators later confirmed an attempted vehicle theft.

On December 26, a nearby resident reviewed security video showing the suspect hiding behind a retaining wall before entering Grand Lake. The individual was not seen leaving the water. A search was conducted, but darkness limited visibility.

Shortly after 9 a.m. on Saturday, Celina Fire Department crews located and recovered a body from the lake. The deceased had no identification, and burglary tools, including a device believed to reprogram vehicle security systems, were recovered.

The man is described as a Black male, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, and believed to be in his 30s. The body was taken to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for autopsy and identification.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective A.J. Poppe at the Celina Police Department at 419-586-2345.