Law enforcement officials remained without suspects as of Sunday following a shooting incident over the weekend that left 12 individuals injured during a street festival in Ohio. The chaos unfolded in a bustling neighborhood of Toledo, causing festival attendees to seek shelter.
According to Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, preliminary investigations suggest that the gunfire, which erupted on Saturday near the Old West End Festival, involved at least two individuals possibly exchanging shots with one another.
Despite ongoing efforts to locate those responsible, authorities have yet to identify any suspects. They have called on those present at the festival to assist by providing any photographs or videos that might aid in the investigation.
Lt. Dan Gerken of the Toledo police expressed his disbelief at the scale of the violence, remarking, “This level of violence is unprecedented. Twelve people shot – that’s the largest scene I’ve encountered. I’ve been to many, but this surpasses them all.”
The festival, which draws hundreds to the historic district of Toledo for a two-day celebration featuring live performances, food stalls, house tours, and shopping, was abruptly cut short.
In light of the events, organizers decided to cancel the remainder of the festivities on Sunday, stating that proceeding would not be “compassionate, responsible, or feasible.”
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival said in a statement.
Two of the victims were in critical condition on Saturday, Heffernan said. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
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 a handful of gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already 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 iconic festivals in Toledo.
“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.
