At least a dozen shot near festival in Ohio; manhunt for suspects underway

At least twelve people were hurt Saturday when gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, sending festival‑goers scrambling for cover and leaving two victims in critical condition, authorities said.

Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue at 5:37 p.m. after reports of a shooting close to the festival’s main grounds. Officers arriving on scene found multiple people with gunshot wounds. Twelve individuals, ranging in age from 14 to 61, were taken to nearby hospitals; ten were listed in stable condition while the two most seriously injured remained in critical condition, according to the Toledo Police Department.

Investigators believe at least two gunmen were involved. Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan told reporters that evidence suggests the shooters were firing at each other. “They were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said. The department has not yet released descriptions of the suspects or identified a motive, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken described the incident as “over the top” in terms of violence. He urged witnesses to help police piece together what happened. “A bunch of people were out there that can probably help us with our investigation,” Gerken said. Detectives remained on scene into the night, processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The Old West End Festival, a two‑day celebration featuring live music, food vendors and family‑friendly activities, was in its opening day when the shooting occurred. Heffernan lamented that the violence derailed a community tradition. “It’s just a shame that a few people, for whatever reason, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many years,” he said.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz praised the rapid response of police and firefighters, saying their swift actions saved lives. In a statement posted on Facebook, the mayor said Toledo has “faced more adversity over the years than most cities,” and he expressed confidence the community would pull together. “Toledo is resilient and it will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment,” he wrote, adding that the city “should never shrug our shoulders and accept it as the price of living in a free society.” Kapszukiewicz also told local news outlet WTOL 11 that all victims are expected to survive.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern over the shooting. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” DeWine said in a post on X. He and his wife, Fran, offered prayers for those affected and said law enforcement would work to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kevin Berry, who was listening to live music in a nearby arboretum, described the moment gunfire broke out. “Everybody hit the deck,” Berry told The Associated Press. He later saw at least five people suffering from gunshot wounds and said the scene quickly turned chaotic as concertgoers fled.

Police have urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Officers remain on scene, and authorities say they are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events.

The Old West End Festival’s second day is scheduled to proceed, though organizers have not yet announced any changes to the event’s schedule. Community leaders are calling for unity and continued cooperation with investigators as the city works to recover from Saturday’s violence. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Toledo Police Department.