Police Continue Search for Suspects After Festival Shooting Injures 12 in Toledo
Authorities are searching for at least two gunmen who wounded 12 people, including a 14-year-old, during the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, where the shooters appear to have been firing at each other.
Police in Toledo continued their search on Sunday for two gunmen who injured 12 attendees at the Old West End Festival on Saturday evening. The shooting, which began just after 5:30 p.m., involved multiple shooters who were likely targeting each other, according to Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan. All victims, ranging in age from 14 to 61, were reported to be in stable condition and showing signs of improvement.
Law enforcement officials said they are interviewing victims and witnesses while reviewing security camera footage from the event, which drew several hundred participants. The festival, a long‑standing community tradition featuring live music, food vendors and a beer garden, had additional on‑duty and off‑duty officers present, as well as mobile security cameras.
Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern, stating that summer festivals should be safe for families and offering prayers for those affected. He added confidence that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in what he described as a senseless crime.
The Old West End Association announced that the remainder of the festival would be canceled, citing discussions with organizers, police and city officials and deeming continuation “not compassionate, responsible or possible.”