12 Shot Near Toledo Festival; Two Suspects Sought

Toledo police are searching for at least two suspects after gunfire wounded 12 people near the Old West End Festival on Saturday evening. The shooting occurred around 5:37 p.m. local time in a neighborhood known for its historic homes and annual gathering that draws crowds for music, food vendors, and house tours.

Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said the incident appeared to stem from two individuals firing at each other amid a dispute. Most victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, though two remained in critical condition as of late Saturday. Their ages ranged from 14 to 61, with the majority in their early 20s. All were expected to survive according to initial assessments from city officials.

Officers arrived to find chaos, with bystanders fleeing and several people down from gunshot wounds. Lieutenant Dan Gerken described the scene as exceeding typical violence levels he has encountered. "Twelve people being shot, that's the most I've been to a scene," he told reporters. Police collected evidence, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed victims and witnesses while appealing for additional videos or photos from those present.

Eyewitness accounts pointed to a group of juveniles confronting another young person shortly before shots rang out. One festivalgoer, Tito Aguilar, said he was ordering food when the altercation began and started recording before the gunfire forced him to run. Others nearby reported hearing a volley of shots followed by people screaming and scattering. One man at the event recalled his wife urging an immediate exit from the area just before the violence erupted.

Emergency responders faced challenges moving patients due to road closures and departing crowds but cleared the scene within an hour. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted the difficulty of access amid the confusion. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement expressing concern that summer festivals should remain safe for families.

The Old West End Festival continued its two-day format focused on community celebration, yet the shooting left many questioning basic order in public spaces. No suspects were in custody hours later, and authorities stressed the need for community cooperation to identify those responsible. The incident stands out for the number of bystanders struck during what police described as targeted exchanges between the shooters.