TOLEDO, Ohio — Police continued searching Sunday for at least two gunmen who opened fire near a community festival in Toledo, wounding about a dozen people in what authorities described as an apparent exchange of gunfire between the suspects.
The shooting occurred around 5:37 p.m. Saturday near the Old West End Festival, an annual event featuring live music and home tours in the city’s historic district, according to the Toledo Police Department.
Officers responding to reports of shots fired discovered multiple victims at the scene in the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum area, police said. The victims, ranging in age from 14 to 61, were taken to hospitals. As of Sunday, all were reported in stable condition, with two initially listed as critical, officials said.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said it appeared the two gunmen were shooting at each other and bystanders were caught in the crossfire. No suspects had been identified or taken into custody as of Sunday evening, police said.
“Officers discovered multiple shooting victims” near the festival, the Toledo Police Department posted on X. Investigators urged anyone with photos, videos or information from the event to come forward.
The Old West End Festival’s second day on Sunday was canceled following the incident, organizers said. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed prayers for those affected and confidence that law enforcement would locate those responsible.
The festival draws hundreds of attendees for a family-friendly celebration in the neighborhood. Video footage circulating online showed attendees scattering as shots rang out.
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects. The investigation remains active, with forensic teams processing the scene for evidence, including shell casings, authorities said.
No fatalities were reported. Local prosecutors described the shooting as a “senseless crime” and called for swift justice.
The incident is among multiple shootings investigated by U.S. law enforcement this year. Toledo police continued canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage on Sunday.
As of Sunday evening, authorities had not provided further updates on potential motives or additional witnesses. The search for the gunmen remained ongoing.
