Police in Toledo, Ohio, reported no suspects in custody on Sunday following a shooting near a street festival that left 12 people wounded and sent attendees scrambling for cover. The incident occurred on Saturday near the Old West End Festival in a busy neighborhood.
Details of the Shooting
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan stated that at least two individuals fired weapons near the festival, likely shooting at each other. Authorities continue to search for the shooters and urge festivalgoers to share any photos or videos that could aid the investigation.
“As far as violence, this is over the top, right?” said Toledo police Lt. Dan Gerken. “Twelve people being shot, that’s the most I’ve been to a scene. I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top.”
Festival Canceled
The Old West End Festival, a two-day annual event featuring live music, food vendors, home tours, and shopping, was canceled on Sunday. Organizers stated, “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.” They expressed heartbreak over the injuries.
Two victims remained in critical condition on Saturday, according to Heffernan. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s.
Witness Accounts
Social media videos showed people running amid gunfire and emergency responders aiding the wounded. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted that closed roads and traffic from the festival complicated hospital access, but all patients were transported within an hour.
Kevin Berry, a festival attendee with medical training and Navy service, described hearing gunshots and seeing a gun tossed to the ground nearby. He assisted the wounded, noting that victims were spread around the arboretum area.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, called the festival “one of the most iconic in Toledo” and lamented that such violence marred the event.
