Police hunt – Gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, injuring at least 12 people. Two victims remained in critical condition hours later, and authorities had made no arrests as police urged the community to share photos and videos that could help id
For a crowded summer street festival in Toledo, the night shifted in an instant—gunshots cutting through live music near the Old West End Festival, then silence and scrambling.
At least 12 people were injured after the shooting broke out Saturday near the festival area in Ohio. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 5:37 p.m., and some attendees rushed toward the wounded while others took cover, according to Toledo police officials.
Two victims remained in critical condition hours later, and no arrests had been made as of Saturday evening, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said.
Heffernan told a televised press conference that there appeared to be at least two shooters. “It appears as though there were at least two shooters,” he said. “I think they were probably shooting at each other and what ended up happening was at least 12 people were struck with bullets.”
Preliminary evidence, Heffernan said, suggested at least two people were firing at each other. He confirmed that there were no suspects in custody as of Saturday evening.
Authorities asked festivalgoers to help the investigation as families tried to make sense of what happened. Police urged attendees to share photos or videos that could help investigators identify those responsible.
Detectives were already working through what witnesses and victims could provide and what footage might exist from the area. Investigative Lieutenant Dan Gerken said detectives were interviewing victims and witnesses while examining available video. “We’re talking to multiple people including victims, witnesses, reviewing camera footage,” Gerken said. “we’re going to need the community’s help when the time comes.”.
He urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Toledo Police Department.
Gerken also described the incident’s scale as extraordinary. “I’ve been around the police department we all have for a long time within the city as far as violence this is this is over the top,” he said.
Those injured ranged in age from 14 to 61, with Heffernan saying the majority were believed to be in their early 20s.
Emergency response faced immediate access problems. Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said road closures and heavy traffic caused by people leaving the festival made it challenging for crews to reach hospitals. Even so. emergency personnel were able to transport all victims from the scene within an hour. according to the Associated Press.
In the aftermath, witnesses described chaos as quickly as they described sound. Kevin Berry, attending with friends and sitting in the neighborhood arboretum while listening to live music, said he heard multiple gunshots and watched people react. “Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
After Berry looked up, he said he saw a firearm being thrown to the ground less than 50 feet away. Police officers already stationed at the festival responded immediately. Berry. who served in the Navy and has medical training. began searching for anyone who might need assistance. telling officials he encountered at least five people suffering from gunshot wounds. “The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The shooting occurred near a street festival that runs in Toledo’s historic Old West End area—an annual event with live music performances and tours of historic homes. The Old West End Festival is a two-day event that includes live entertainment, food vendors, shopping opportunities and guided tours.
With the weekend still in progress, the festival’s future was uncertain. George Kral, the city’s safety director, said city officials were consulting with organizers about whether the festival would continue for the remainder of the weekend, according to the Associated Press.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was watching the situation closely. In a statement, DeWine said: “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Toledo Police Department was contacted by email early Sunday for comment, but no additional details were provided beyond the officials speaking at the press conference.
Toledo Ohio shooting Old West End Festival gunfire police hunt suspects 12 injured Governor Mike DeWine Joe Heffernan Dan Gerken Allison Armstrong
So like why were they even shooting at a festival… makes no sense.
Old West End Festival and 12 shot??? That’s just insane. I feel like they always “urge people to share photos” after the fact, like anyone is sitting there with good video at 5:37.
At least two shooters, probably shooting at each other… so were they trying to rob somebody or was it gang stuff? Not saying it is, I’m just guessing bc that’s usually the story. Also Toledo’s been rough for a while.
Two people in critical condition is so scary. I hate when they say “no arrests made” like they should already have names. If there were cameras everywhere, why aren’t they finding them faster? I heard on TikTok it was “near the music” but not sure if that’s true.