TOLEDO, Ohio — At least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo on Saturday evening, prompting a manhunt for suspects as authorities investigated what appeared to be an exchange of gunfire between at least two individuals.
Police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:37 p.m. near the festival in the city’s historic Old West End neighborhood, according to Toledo police officials. The incident occurred in a crowded area during the annual community event, which features live music, food vendors and other activities.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan said at a news conference that it appeared there were at least two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other,” with bystanders caught in the crossfire. Heffernan described the situation as involving multiple victims struck by bullets.
Two of the wounded were initially reported in critical condition, though officials later indicated all victims were stable and expected to survive, according to statements from city officials and police. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, authorities said.
No fatalities were reported. Police have not identified or apprehended any suspects as of Sunday, and the manhunt remained active. Officers were reviewing video footage from witnesses and the scene, officials said.
The Old West End Festival is a longstanding two-day event described by organizers as the kickoff to Toledo’s summer festival season. Hundreds of people were attending at the time of the shooting, which sent crowds running for safety.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern in a statement, while Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and other local leaders called for the community to provide any information that could assist the investigation.
Festival organizers canceled the event’s final day on Sunday as the search continued. Police urged anyone with videos or photos from the scene to submit them anonymously to aid the probe.
The shooting marked a violent end to what had been a celebratory gathering in one of Toledo’s largest historic districts. Details on the exact circumstances leading to the gunfire, including any possible motive or relationship between the suspected shooters, remained unclear as the investigation proceeded.
As of early Sunday, no arrests had been announced. Authorities continued to search multiple locations and follow leads, police said. The incident is under active investigation by Toledo police, with assistance from other agencies.
