Police in Ohio are hunting for what are believed to be multiple suspects after a shooting near a festival in Toledo wounded 12 people.
Officers responded around 5:40 p.m. local time to a report about a person shot near Toledo’s Old West End Festival, a two-day event featuring food markets and live music.
“It appears as though there were at least two shooters,” Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said at a press conference Saturday. “I think they were probably shooting at each other and what ended up happening was 12 people were struck with bullets.”
Two individuals were wounded critically, Heffernan said. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, but were largely in their early 20s, police said.
The suspect or suspects remain at large, the deputy chief added.
The police department did not release the identities of the victims.
Officers are reviewing video footage, interviewing individuals impacted by the shooting, and have gathered evidence from the scene of the crime.
“As far as violence, this is over the top,” Lieutenant Dan Gerken of the Toledo police said at the press conference, describing it as one of the worst incidents he’d seen in his career.
Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Those near the festival also described the chaotic scenes.
“We were walking to our car and walked through the corner where it occurred and my wife said we need to go now,” John Beatrice, who was at the festival around the time of the shooting, told The Independent in a Facebook message. “Unfortunately we didn't see the events, other than hearing the gunshots and commotion behind us as we hurried towards our vehicle and made our way out of the area.”
“I was very close to the scene driving,” Facebook user Bob Grand Lubell wrote in response to the TPD’s announcement of the shooting. “It was packed with teenagers at 5:00. Before the shooting the police presence was very heavy. Still, not enough.”
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said on X. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. 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.”
Witness Kevin Berry told the Associated Press that the event was the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
Mr Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.
George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organisers whether it would continue through the weekend.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” he said, “and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
Police are asking members of the public to avoid the area, and to report any information to Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.
The Independent has contacted the TPD and Lubell for comment.
