Police search for suspects in Toledo shooting that wounded 12 near a street festival
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- Police in Toledo, Ohio, are searching for at least two gunmen after a shooting near the Old West End Festival wounded 12 people and sent hundreds of attendees scrambling for cover.
- Authorities say the shooters, believed to be firing at each other, remain at large and are urging festival-goers to share photos or videos that might help identify suspects.
- Victims ranging in age from 14 to 61 were rushed from the scene, prompting officials to cancel the festival’s final day.
Police still had no suspects in custody Sunday after a weekend shooting near a street festival wounded 12 people and sent attendees scrambling for cover in a busy neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people fired weapons Saturday near the Old West End Festival and were “probably shooting at each other.”
Two of the victims were in critical condition Saturday, Heffernan said. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
Authorities say a search for the the shooters was ongoing and had not identified any potential suspects. They urged festival-goers to come forward with any photos or videos.
“As far as violence, this is over the top, right?” Toledo Police Lt. Dan Gerken said. “Twelve people being shot, that’s the most I’ve been to a scene. I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top.”
Hundreds of people were at the festival, an annual two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that features live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.
The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday. Organizers said “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.”
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival said in a statement.
Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard gunshots. “Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he said, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away from him. Officers who were on-site for the festival responded immediately.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, said the Old West End Festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in Toledo.
“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.
Ding and Peipert write for the Associated Press.
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