Man found dead in front of N. Toledo bar
4/13/2014Toledo police released more information today about the death of a man whose body was found early Saturday morning in front of a northwest Toledo sports bar.
Robert Charles Turner, Jr., 27, was found on the ground next to Alexis Road at Malibu's, 2045 W. Alexis Rd., shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday, police said.
Police and firefighters were sent there in response to a report of a person down. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
"We're treating it as a very suspicious incident," said Toledo police Sgt. Tim Noble said, adding that the coroner will determine if it is a homicide.
The victim, who had been inside the bar earlier in the night, had multiple, minor abrasions on his face and body that would indicate "there had been a scuffle" but “he was not beaten to a pulp,” Sergeant Noble said.
Police found the victim's body in the curb in front of the bar, he said.
He declined to say whether the victim had been involved in any verbal or physical confrontations with anyone at the bar or provide other details regarding the night’s events.
"I can't comment on that," Sergeant Noble said. "That is part of the investigation."
An autopsy performed Saturday was inconclusive, said Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a Lucas County deputy coroner. She did not rule on the cause or manner of death pending toxicology and other test results. He had no internal trauma or appear to have other significant injuries, Dr. Beisser said.
Representatives of Malibu's did not return repeated phone calls Saturday afternoon seeking comment.
Police records show a history of problems at the bar, including several fights and the 2009 arrest of a 33-year-old male who began firing a gun after he was caught operating an illegal card game inside. One of the bullets wounded a bouncer, according to the police report.