Toledo manhunt

Police in Toledo, Ohio, have launched a major manhunt after at least 12 people were shot during a violent incident near the popular Old West End Festival, leaving two victims in critical condition and sparking renewed concerns about public safety at community events.

The shooting occurred around 5:37 p.m. local time on Saturday near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, an area associated with festival activities. According to the Toledo Police Department, ten victims are in stable condition, while two remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Authorities believe the violence erupted when two individuals exchanged gunfire in a crowded area near the festival.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were likely shooting at one another when multiple bystanders were caught in the crossfire.

The victims range in age from 16 to 61 years old. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local media that all of the injured individuals are expected to survive.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show festival attendees running for safety as a series of gunshots echoed through the area. Other footage reportedly shows emergency responders treating victims and transporting some of the injured on stretchers. Authorities have not yet verified the authenticity of all videos shared online.

Eyewitness Tito Aguilar said he was purchasing food when he noticed a confrontation involving a group of young people. He began recording the incident on his phone before hearing gunfire.

After fleeing the area for safety, Aguilar later returned and witnessed several people suffering from gunshot wounds.

Police officials described the scale of the shooting as unprecedented for the community.

“Twelve people being shot, that’s the most I’ve been to a scene,” Toledo Police Lieutenant Dan Gerken told reporters. “I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top.”

Investigators are currently interviewing victims and witnesses while reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the shooting to come forward.

The Old West End Festival is a long-running annual event that celebrates one of the largest historic districts in the United States. The two-day festival typically attracts thousands of visitors and features live music, food vendors, shopping, house tours, and family-friendly activities.

Officials expressed frustration that violence disrupted an event that has served as a community gathering for many years.

“It’s just a shame a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many years,” Heffernan said.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also responded to the incident, expressing concern and support for those affected.

“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” DeWine said in a statement. He added that he was confident law enforcement would identify and apprehend those responsible.

As the investigation continues, police remain focused on locating the suspects and determining the circumstances that led to the shooting. No arrests had been announced at the time of reporting.

The incident has shocked residents and festival attendees alike, turning what should have been a celebration of community and culture into a scene of fear and tragedy.