Police are searching for suspects after a shooting near a festival in Toledo, Ohio, left at least 12 people wounded Saturday, authorities said.
Toledo Police Department officers responded around 5:37 p.m. to reports of a shooting near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, close to the Old West End Festival.
Officers arriving on scene found multiple victims with gunshot wounds, police said.
At least 12 people were wounded in the shooting, including two who remain in critical condition, authorities said.
Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan told reporters at a news conference that investigators believe at least two gunmen were involved in the shooting.
“They were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said.
Investigators said they are actively searching for the suspects involved.
As of late Saturday night, authorities had not released suspect descriptions or identified a possible motive.
Heffernan expressed frustration that the shooting disrupted a longstanding community tradition.
“It’s just a shame, you know, a few people, for whatever reason, going through their heads, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years,” Heffernan said.
“We had the security in place, just so that something like this wouldn’t happen and unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway,” he added.
Police said many of the victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with ten reported in stable condition.
Authorities said the victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most in their 20s.
“As far as violence, this is over the top,” Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken said during a news conference.
Gerken urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
“A bunch of people were out there that can probably help us with our investigation,” he said.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz called on residents to stand together in the wake of the shooting, while praising first responders for their handling of the incident.
“Toledo has faced more adversity over the years than most cities, and our citizens always rally together and pull through,” he said in a post on Facebook. “This will be no exception.”
“What happened today at the @OldWestEnd Festival, sadly, has happened in too many American cities,” he continued. “But we should never shrug our shoulders and accept it as the price of living in a free society. As a country, we must do better. Toledo is resilient & it will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment — and because of the brave men & women of @Toledo_PD & @ToledoFire, whose swift actions today saved lives.”
Kapszukiewicz told WTOL 11 that he believes all victims are expected to survive.
Residents and visitors were urged to stay away from the area as the investigation continues.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was “deeply concerned” by the shooting and expressed confidence that those responsible would be caught.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” DeWine wrote on X.
“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” he continued. “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.”
Police said officers remain on scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Kevin Berry told The Associated Press he was sitting in a neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard several gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said, adding that he later saw at least five people suffering from gunshot wounds.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day event that kicked off Saturday, according to its website.
Organizers said the festival features live music, food vendors, and a variety of other attractions.
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