Police Search for Two Gunmen After Shooting at Toledo Festival Injures Dozens
Authorities are searching for two men who fired at each other during the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, wounding at least 12 people.
Police continued a manhunt on Sunday for two individuals who allegedly exchanged gunfire and shot at festival attendees in Toledo's historic Old West End neighborhood on Saturday evening. The shooting occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. as hundreds of people gathered for the two‑day event featuring live music, food vendors and parades. Video posted online showed the crowd fleeing and emergency responders treating victims on the grass.
Victims were reported to range in age from 14 to 61, with several in critical condition, according to a news conference held by local authorities. The remainder of the festival was cancelled.
"I was at the Old West End Festival yesterday with my family. This is a fun, family event that brings the community together each year. I am sad that it ended in gun violence last night," said Toledo City Council member Erin Kramer.
"Too often we turn on the news and learn of a celebration somewhere that turns into a tragedy. Now, that news comes from our own neighborhood," organizers wrote on social media.
One attendee, 68‑year‑old Anthony J. Boff, traveled from Massachusetts for the festival and said he was on his way to a reggae show when the gunfire began, prompting him to drop to the ground.