At least 12 people were wounded as gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio. Some attendees at the Old West End Festival in Toledo scrambled for cover while others rushed to aid the injured.
No suspects were in custody hours later, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said. He added that it appeared at least two people had fired, likely shooting each other.
The shooting occurred close to the Old West End Festival, an annual two‑day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that features live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.
The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday. Organizers stated, “It would not be compassionate, responsible, or possible to continue.”
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival organizers wrote in a statement.
Two of the victims were in critical condition. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, most of them in their early twenties.
Officials urged anyone who attended the festival to come forward with any photos or videos that might help the investigation.
Multiple videos posted to social media captured people running amid the sound of gunshots, with emergency officials attending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out. “Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.
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.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, said the Old West End Festival is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo. “And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern, stating, “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
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