12 Shot Near Toledo Festival; Two Suspects Sought

Gunfire near a popular community festival in Toledo left 12 people wounded and sent families scrambling for safety on a Saturday evening. The Old West End Festival, held in one of the city’s historic districts, draws residents for music, food and tours; the shooting turned that gathering into a scene of chaos with victims ages 14 to 61, most in their early 20s.

Toledo police responded around 5:37 p.m. local time after reports of shots fired near Delaware and Robinwood avenues. Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said two people appeared to fire at each other, striking bystanders. Two victims were listed in critical condition; the rest were stable. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local media that all were expected to survive.

No arrests have been made. Officers are examining video, speaking with witnesses and collecting evidence while asking the public to submit any phone footage. Lt. Dan Gerken called the scale of injuries the worst he had seen at a single scene. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted that road closures slowed transport, yet all patients reached hospitals within an hour.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a statement expressing concern that summer festivals remain safe for families. City safety director George Kral said organizers were discussing whether the event would continue. Witnesses described juveniles fighting moments before shots, people running, and one man seeing a gun discarded nearby. Police have not released suspect descriptions or confirmed a motive.