Ex-employee returns to Ottawa County workplace with weapons

Kyle Kovac is being held in jail on multiple charges after returning with weapons to his former workplace.

PORT CLINTON - A 20-year-old man recently fired from his job was ordered held in the Ottawa County Detention Facility today in lieu of $29,030 bond after authorities say he returned to his former workplace with a weapon.

Kyle A. Kovac, of Fremont and formerly of Graytown, is charged with one count each of possession of criminal tools, aggravated trespassing, and inducing panic and two counts each of aggravated menacing and carrying a concealed weapon.

He was arraigned today before Judge Frederick Haney in Ottawa County Municipal Court. His case was continued to April 12 for pretrial and preliminary hearings.

Deputies were called at 11:38 a.m. Thursday to Northern Manufacturing Inc. in the Erie Industrial Park where employees reported seeing Mr. Kovac walking around with a large knife, according to the sheriff's office. Employees also told deputies that they had seen a handgun on the front seat of Mr. Kovac's vehicle at Northern Manufacturing at 5225 W. Lakeshore Dr., west of Port Clinton.

Deputies reported finding Mr. Kovac, who had been fired several days ago, walking around in military-type camouflage clothing and took him into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle produced a second large knife, an Airsoft pistol with a suppressor attached, and a large stick.