Celina Man Facing Felony Firearm Charge After Traffic Stop

A Celina man is facing a felony firearm charge in Mercer County Common Pleas Court following a traffic stop in Celina.

According to court documents, 21 year old Gage M. Stein is charged with improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth degree felony.

The complaint alleges that on or about May 31st, 2026, Stein knowingly transported or had a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them. Court documents also allege the loaded handgun was concealed on his person.

An affidavit filed in the case says Celina Police were dispatched around 3:59 AM on May 31st to South Main Street for a complaint involving a male who appeared intoxicated and was allegedly waving a firearm in the air.

The affidavit says an officer later located the vehicle, a silver GMC Acadia, and initiated a traffic stop after it failed to stay in its marked lane near Myers Road and Meadowview Drive.

Stein was identified as the front seat passenger. The affidavit says the officer smelled alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. Stein allegedly told the officer he had been drinking and that he had a firearm on him.

Authorities say a Taurus 9mm handgun was found in Stein’s waistband. The handgun was loaded and had a round in the chamber. Additional ammunition was also allegedly found on Stein’s person.

The affidavit says Stein was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Detention Facility. A portable breath test listed in the affidavit showed a result of .198.

The state requested bond be set at $50,000. Requested conditions include no alcohol or drugs of abuse, random testing, participation in the probation department’s drug screening call in program, no establishments that serve alcohol by the drink, and no ownership or possession of firearms.

The charge is an accusation, and Stein is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.