A family festival turned chaotic Saturday evening after gunfire erupted near the main event area.
At least 12 people were shot near Toledo’s Old West End Festival around 5:37 p.m. local time, police said.
The shooting happened at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue — right where the festival map shows music and food stalls.
—What police say happened–
Toledo Police Department responded to reports of a shooting and found multiple victims. 10 people are in stable condition. 2 remain in critical condition, but Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told WTOL 11 they’re all expected to survive.
Victims’ ages range from 16 to 61.
Deputy Police Chief Joe said it appears two people fired weapons and were “probably shooting at each other.” Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects. The investigation is focused on the Delaware and Robinwood area.
–Scenes from the festival–
Footage shared online — not yet verified by BBC — shows crowds running and screaming as gunshots ring out. Other clips show two people being wheeled away on stretchers and injured victims lying on grass near a marquee.
The Old West End Festival is a 2-day event billed as a celebration of one of the country’s largest historic districts, with live music, food markets, a beer garden, house tours, and shopping.
–“Summer festivals should be safe”–
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reacted on social media: “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”
The BBC has reached out to Toledo police for further comment. No arrests have been announced yet.
From live music and food trucks to gunfire and stretchers — a Toledo festival weekend ended in a manhunt and a community asking how this happened.
