Findlay Man Faces Felony Charges, Says Guns Belong to His Girlfriend

Source: https://tiffinohio.net/posts/findlay-man-charged-felony-2-loaded-guns-car-fostoria/

FOSTORIA, Ohio — A 22-year-old Findlay man is facing a fourth-degree felony charge after Seneca County Sheriff’s deputies discovered two loaded handguns in a vehicle stopped near Fostoria early Tuesday morning.

Ethan Lucas Mercado of Findlay has been charged with improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a violation of Ohio Revised Code 2923.16(B). Court records show the case was filed June 23, 2026, in Seneca County Common Pleas Court before Judge Steve C. Shuff. His bond is set at $150,000. A related misdemeanor charge for driving under a financial-responsibility suspension was dismissed.

Mercado is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He has hired attorney Sagan S. Kahler, who quickly filed demands for discovery and a bill of particulars. Seneca County Prosecutor Derek W. Devine is representing the state. No plea has been entered, and a subpoena was issued for the lead deputy on June 24.

What Happened

Deputies responded to a 911 call around 12:08 a.m. on June 23 reporting possible shots fired at a trailer at 5473 N. Township Road 63 in Jackson Township. A caller said a gold Honda Accord had been circling the residence, and the caller’s father helped track the vehicle.

Fostoria police pulled over the Accord on County Road 25 near County Road 591. Mercado was driving, with one passenger inside.

According to sheriff’s reports, deputies found:

• A Glock 17 9mm handgun with an extended magazine under the driver’s seat
• A Glock 43X equipped with a red laser sight
• Both handguns were loaded

Additional items recovered as evidence included a spent 9mm shell casing, extra ammunition and magazines, brass knuckles, and two cellphones.

A resident reported hearing gunshots and seeing a red laser pointed at the trailer. The incident reportedly stemmed from an ongoing feud, and investigators were told Mercado had shared Snapchat images showing firearms in the vehicle.

Mercado’s Statements

Mercado told deputies he did not fire shots at the trailer. He claimed he set off a firework in front of the residence and that any earlier shooting occurred in a field on family property near Arcadia. He initially described the laser as a “cat laser,” but one report notes he later acknowledged pointing a handgun and laser toward the trailer.

Deputies found no shell casings at the trailer — only a firework tube and lighter. The single spent 9mm casing recovered from the car was, according to Mercado, from earlier target shooting. Officers noted the tall grass in the area would have made locating casings difficult.

A preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol content of 0.073, but no OVI charge was filed. The passenger was released without charges. Mercado reportedly stated the car and firearms belonged to his girlfriend and that he is currently on probation.

Case Status

The case remains active in Seneca County Common Pleas Court. The Fostoria Free Press will continue following developments as they become available through court proceedings.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

Court records and sheriff’s reports obtained through a public records request form the basis of this story. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.