TOLEDO, Ohio — At least 12 people were shot, two of them critically, near a community festival in Toledo on Saturday evening, authorities said, with police searching for suspects.
Toledo police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:37 p.m. near the Old West End Festival at the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum in the city’s historic district. Officers found multiple victims at the scene, according to a police statement.
Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said it appeared at least two shooters were involved and were “probably” firing at each other, with bystanders caught in the crossfire. No suspects were in custody hours after the incident, police said.
The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s, Lt. Dan Gerkin said. Ten victims were in stable condition, while two remained critical, authorities reported.
The Old West End Festival is an annual two-day event featuring live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Videos shared on social media showed people running for cover as gunshots rang out.
One attendee, Kevin Berry, told reporters he was listening to music when the shooting began. “Everybody hit the deck,” Berry said. He described seeing a gun tossed nearby and assisting injured people at the scene.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern in a statement, saying summer festivals “should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.” City officials, including Safety Director George Kral, were discussing whether to proceed with the festival’s remaining events.
Emergency responders transported all victims to hospitals within about an hour despite traffic challenges from people leaving the area, Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said. Police urged witnesses to share any photos or videos that could aid the investigation.
As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been announced and details about the shooters’ identities or motives remained unclear. The incident occurred in a busy public area where officers were already present for the festival.
Local leaders, including Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, called for unity and prayers while commending first responders. Sunday’s festival activities were canceled.
