Tuesday, November 7th, 2023
Lima man arrested for brandishing gun at teens
By Abigail Miller
CELINA - Celina police arrested a Lima man on Monday who was accused of flashing a handgun at a group of Celina teenagers over the weekend.
Donald C. Harden, 37, allegedly peered into the front window of a residence in the 500 block of East Livingston Street on Saturday evening, according to a news release from Celina Police Chief Tom Wale.
Harden then reportedly pulled out a handgun and made threatening gestures which were intended for three teenagers inside the residence.
Charges were filed on Monday in Celina Municipal Court for first-degree misdemeanor aggravated menacing.
Wale in his initial release asked anyone with information on Harden's whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately, urging against approaching or attempting to detain Harden.
Shortly after the release was posted on social media, the Celina Police Department received four calls from people who said they had seen Harden.
Harden was located on foot on East Livingston Street near Grand Lake Road and was taken into custody and transported to the Mercer County Jail without incident, according to the release.
If convicted of aggravated menacing, Harden could face up to 180 days in the county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Harden also has an open case from late September in Mercer County Common Pleas Court for the alleged theft of a motor vehicle.
At about 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Celina Moose, a 46-year-old Celina man was reportedly seen on surveillance camera riding a bicycle with Harden on the back pegs, according to the affidavit.
The pair allegedly rode up to an unlocked 2017 Ford Focus with the keys in it in the Moose parking lot, where Harden proceeded to open the driver door, start the car and drive off, according to the affidavit.
Later that same day, officers reportedly found the other man in the 100 block of North Vine Street with a bike officers said matched the one on surveillance footage.
The man reportedly admitted to police that he give Harden a ride to the Moose parking lot but said he did not know that Harden intended to steal the car.
Harden was charged with fourth-degree felony grand theft of a motor vehicle on Oct. 2.
If convicted of grand theft, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Harden was released on his own recognizance for the auto theft charge on Wednesday. However, due to the menacing charges, his bond was revoked on Monday.
