Toledo police name suspect Ka Nye Taylor in festival shooting that injured 12, hunt second gunman
Toledo Police Identify Suspect in Festival Shooting, Launch Manhunt for Second Gunman
TOLEO, Ohio — Authorities have identified a primary suspect in connection with a shooting that injured 12 people near the Old West End Festival earlier this month, while a manhunt continues for a second individual believed to be involved.
Ka Nye Taylor, described as a Black male approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds, is wanted on 11 counts of felonious assault. Police released his photo and details as the search entered its third day. Taylor has black hair and brown eyes, according to the Toledo Police Department.
The shooting occurred around 5:37 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, adjacent to the festival grounds. The Old West End Festival is an annual event featuring live music, food vendors, and home tours, drawing large crowds. When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All 12 victims were later confirmed to be in stable condition, with ages ranging from 14 to 61 years old; most were in their early 20s.
Investigators believe at least two gunmen were involved in the incident, which stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups. The altercation began with a foot chase and assault at the festival, leading to the gunfire. Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan stated during a news conference, “They were probably shooting at each other,” indicating that the exchange may have been targeted between the groups.
Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates emphasized the community impact, vowing that “justice will be swift and strong.” In a statement, she added, “Those who were frightened, traumatized or harmed by this violence will remain at the forefront of our efforts. I’ve felt outrage before, but this is personal. This is my home. These are my friends and neighbors. It is not OK.”
Police are also seeking the public’s help to identify a second suspected gunman, whose photo has been released but who has not been publicly named. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. A combined reward of up to $15,000 is being offered, including $10,000 from Crime Stoppers and an additional $5,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service, for information leading to arrests.
The investigation remains active as authorities follow multiple leads in the case.
