Toledo Old West End Festival shooting: Multiple victims shot as Ohio police hunt suspects

Police and emergency services rushed to the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday night, following a shooting.

At least 12 people have been shot, according to authorities, and police are currently searching for the shooter. Those injured range from 14 to 61 years old.

Gunfire erupted just after 5:37 p.m. local time. Shortly after gunshots were heard, police officers were seen running down a suburban road in a video that has surfaced on social media.

Two of the wounded were in critical condition, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said.

He said it appeared there were at least two people firing weapons who were “probably shooting at each other”.

In a post on X, Toledo authorities said: “At approximately 5:37 p.m., Toledo Police officers responded to a report of a person shot in the area of Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue near the Old West End Festival. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shooting victims. Many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.”

“The Toledo Police Department is actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved. The investigation currently includes scenes in the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.”

Officers were deployed throughout the Old West End neighbourhood to secure the area and provide emergency medical support.

The Toledo Police Department said the shooting happened near the Old West End Festival, an annual gathering of live music and home tours in a historic district of the city.

The department said an active search was underway for those responsible.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement.