TOLEDO, Ohio — At least 12 people were shot near a community festival in Toledo on Saturday afternoon, authorities said, with suspects remaining at large as police investigate.
Toledo police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:37 p.m. near the Old West End Festival in the city's historic district, officials said. Officers found multiple victims at the scene, many of whom were transported to area hospitals.
Two of the victims were in critical condition, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan said. The ages of those shot ranged from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s, according to police Lt. Dan Gerken.
Heffernan said it appeared there were at least two shooters who were probably firing at each other, with bystanders caught in the crossfire. No suspects had been apprehended as of late Saturday, he said.
The Old West End Festival is an annual two-day event featuring live music, food vendors, home tours and family activities in a neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture. Several hundred people were attending when the gunfire erupted, officials said.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people sought cover or aided the injured. Police are reviewing video footage and shell casings and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation, authorities said. Extra officers were on duty for the festival, including off-duty personnel and mobile security cameras.
In a statement, the Old West End Association said events scheduled for Sunday had been canceled.
"It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years," Heffernan said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern over the incident.
"Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence," DeWine said on X. "Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime."
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said all victims were expected to survive, according to local reports.
The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. Details on the circumstances leading to the shooting were not immediately available.
