Twelve people were struck by bullets, including two who were critically injured, during a shooting near a popular neighborhood festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday, June 6, city officials said at a news conference.
Officers with the Toledo Police Department responded around 5:37 p.m. ET to reports of a shooting in the area of Delaware and Glenwood avenues near the annual Old West End Festival, according to the department.
Police believe the incident occurred when at least two people began shooting at each other at the festival. No fatalities had been reported as of late Saturday, police said, and no suspects were in custody.
The department said investigators are actively searching for the suspects involved in the shooting. Authorities said they have collected evidence, but are asking for those who attended the festival to share any photos or video they may have.
There were police on the scene at the time of the shooting and heard the shots, officials said, adding that there was a large police presence including off-duty officers who were working for the festival.
When officers arrived, they found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said several victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
“As far as violence, this is over the top,” said Lt. Dan Gerken, of the Toledo Police Department.
Gerken said the ages of those shot ranged from 61 to 14 years old, based on interviews. He estimated the average age of those injured that he spoke with was early 20s.
The shooting occurred near the Old West End Festival, a longstanding community event that draws thousands of visitors to one of Toledo’s most historic neighborhoods each year.
“It’s just a shame, you know, when a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decided to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, may years,” said Toledo police Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan.
The investigation spans multiple locations, including areas near Delaware and Robinwood avenues according to police. Residents and festivalgoers were urged to avoid the area and expect a significant law enforcement presence as officers continue their search and investigators work to determine what led to the shooting.
“Talk to your kids. There’s kids out there that probably know more than all of us standing here,” Gerken said, as he asked for help and information from the community.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Toledo Police Department for additional information.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a social media post that he was “deeply concerned” about the Toledo shooting.
“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” DeWine said in the X post. He said that his family was praying for those impacted and added that he was confident “law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”
This story is developing and has been updated with new information.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com
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