Gunfire shattered the atmosphere outside a beloved neighborhood celebration in Toledo, Ohio, where a shootout near the Old West End Festival left at least 12 people wounded and police scrambling to identify the shooters.
Investigators were fanning out through the area, interviewing witnesses and reviewing mobile phone videos as they searched for suspects following what authorities described as an exchange of shots near the community event.
“Twelve people were struck with bullets… two of them critical,” Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan told reporters, stressing that no suspects had been taken into custody.
Heffernan said police believe at least two shooters were involved and indicated the gunmen were “probably shooting at each other”.
Police said the search remained active and urged anyone with information that could help identify those responsible to contact authorities.
Police Lieutenant Dan Gerken said the victims skewed young, with the average age roughly in the early twenties.
He said the scope of the shooting was striking even by the standards of experienced officers.
“So, 12 people being shot, that’s the most — I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this was way over the top,” Gerken said.
The Old West End Festival is a popular annual event known for live music, block parties and home tours through one of Toledo’s historic districts. Officials said there was a substantial police presence at the festival when the shooting occurred.
