At least a dozen shot near festival in Ohio; manhunt for suspects underway
At least a dozen people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday and police are actively searching for suspects, authorities said.
A search is underway for the suspects in a shooting that left at least 12 people wounded near a festival on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, authorities said.
The Toledo Police Department said officers responded around 5:37 p.m. to a report of a shooting near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, close to the Old West End Festival.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.
Authorities said at least 12 people were wounded, including two victims who remain in critical condition.
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Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said during a news conference that investigators believe the shooting involved at least two gunmen.
"They were probably shooting at each other," Heffernan said.
Investigators said they are actively searching for the suspects involved.
As of late Saturday night, authorities have not released descriptions of any suspects or identified a possible motive.
Heffernan lamented that the shooting disrupted a longtime community tradition.
"It's just a shame, you know, a few people, for whatever reason, going through their heads, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years," Heffernan said.
"We had the security in place, just so that something like this wouldn't happen and unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway," he added.
Many of the victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to police. Ten victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities said the victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most in their 20s.
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"As far as violence, this is over the top," Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken said during a news conference.
Gerken urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
"A bunch of people were out there that can probably help us with our investigation," he said.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz urged residents to remain united in the aftermath of the shooting, while praising first responders for their response to the incident.
"Toledo has faced more adversity over the years than most cities, and our citizens always rally together and pull through," he said in post on Facebook. "This will be no exception."
"What happened today at the @OldWestEnd Festival, sadly, has happened in too many American cities," he continued. "But we should never shrug our shoulders and accept it as the price of living in a free society. As a country, we must do better. Toledo is resilient & it will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment — and because of the brave men & women of @Toledo_PD & @ToledoFire, whose swift actions today saved lives."
Kapszukiewicz told WTOL 11 that he believes all victims are expected to survive.
Residents and visitors were urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was "deeply concerned" by the reported shooting and expressed confidence that those responsible would be caught.
"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight," DeWine wrote on X.
"Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence," he continued. "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."
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Police said officers remain on scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Kevin Berry told The Associated Press he was sitting in a neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard several gunshots ring out.
"Everybody hit the deck," he said, adding that he later saw at least five people suffering from gunshot wounds.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day event that began Saturday, according to its website.
Organizers said the festival features live music, food vendors and a variety of other attractions.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
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