Authorities say two shooters may have exchanged gunfire near a popular neighborhood festival.
TOLEDO, Ohio — At least 12 people were injured, including two who remained in critical condition, after gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival on Saturday evening, prompting a large police response and an ongoing search for those responsible.
The shooting occurred during one of Toledo’s best-known annual community events and sent attendees running for safety. Investigators believe at least two shooters were involved and may have been firing at each other. No arrests had been announced by Sunday, and authorities continued gathering evidence while festival organizers canceled the final day of the event.
Police said officers were dispatched around 5:37 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports that someone had been shot near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, close to the Old West End Festival. When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency crews worked to secure the area and transport victims to nearby hospitals. The shooting unfolded as festival activities were underway, drawing families, residents and visitors to the historic neighborhood. Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said investigators believe two shooters were likely exchanging gunfire. “We believe there were two shooters who were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said during a briefing. Authorities quickly established several crime scenes and expanded the investigation into surrounding streets as officers searched for suspects who had fled before police arrived.
Officials said the 12 victims ranged in age from 14 to 61 years old, with most reported to be in their early 20s. Two victims remained in critical condition while the others were reported in stable condition. Investigators have not publicly identified any of those injured, and authorities had not released information about a possible motive. Police expanded the investigation to multiple locations, including areas near Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, as detectives searched for shell casings, surveillance footage and witness accounts. The Toledo Police Department received assistance from the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Residents were asked to avoid the area during the investigation because of heavy police activity. Authorities also encouraged anyone who witnessed the shooting or captured photos or video to provide information that could help identify the people involved.
The Old West End Festival has been a longstanding community tradition in Toledo, drawing thousands of visitors with live entertainment, neighborhood tours, food vendors and activities for children. The event is known for celebrating one of the country’s largest collections of historic Victorian homes and typically serves as a major gathering for residents at the start of summer. The violence shocked many attendees because the festival has long been viewed as a family-oriented event. During remarks after the shooting, Heffernan expressed frustration that a community celebration had been disrupted by gunfire. Officials said security measures had been in place for the event, though the shooting still occurred in an area connected to festival activities. The incident renewed concerns about public safety at large gatherings while also highlighting the challenges authorities face when violence erupts in crowded spaces.
As detectives continued their work Sunday, investigators were focused on identifying the shooters and determining exactly how the confrontation began. No charges had been filed, and police had not announced any arrests. Authorities were reviewing physical evidence collected from the scene and examining available video recordings. Investigators also continued interviewing witnesses who were present when the gunfire erupted. The cancellation of Sunday’s festival events allowed officials to preserve portions of the area while the investigation remained active. Organizers said they consulted with law enforcement before deciding to end the festival early. Additional updates were expected as investigators completed forensic work and reviewed evidence collected from multiple locations connected to the case. Officials said the investigation remained fluid and that information could change as new facts emerged.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as crowds reacted to the sound of gunfire. Families and festivalgoers sought cover behind vehicles, buildings and vendor areas while first responders rushed toward the scene. Emergency personnel worked through crowded conditions to locate victims and coordinate transportation to hospitals. Community leaders and festival organizers expressed sorrow for those injured and their families. In a statement announcing the cancellation of Sunday’s activities, organizers said they were heartbroken by the violence and believed continuing the event would not be appropriate under the circumstances. The decision marked an abrupt end to a weekend celebration that had brought large crowds into the neighborhood. By Sunday, police vehicles remained visible in portions of the area as investigators continued gathering information and following leads.
The investigation remained active Sunday, with authorities still searching for suspects and seeking additional witness information. Officials said further updates would be released as evidence is reviewed and investigators determine the next steps in the case.