Ohio festival shooting update: 12 injured, 2 critical; police are looking for more suspects | Today’s news
At least 12 people were injured, including two critically, after gunfire erupted near the annual Old West End festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday evening, June 6 (local time).
The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, near the popular community festival that draws thousands of visitors with live music, food vendors, shopping and tours of historic homes.
The sudden shooting caused panic among festival-goers, with many running for cover while others rushed to help the injured.
How many people were injured?
According to authorities, 12 people suffered gunshot wounds.
-Two victims remain in critical condition.
-The remaining victims suffered non-life threatening injuries.
-The victims are between the ages of 14 and 61.
-Most of the injured were reportedly around 20 years old.
Police Lt. Dan Gerken described the incident as one of the most difficult shooting scenes he has encountered.
“12 people were shot … this was way over the top,” Gerken said.
What do the police know so far?
Investigators believe the violence may have stemmed from a shootout between at least two people.
Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joe Heffernan said preliminary evidence suggests multiple shooters were involved.
“It looks like there were at least two shooters. I think they probably shot at each other,” Heffernan told reporters.
As of late Saturday night, no suspects had been taken into custody and police continued to search for those responsible.
Authorities urged anyone who attended the festival and took photos or videos to share them with investigators.
How was the filming?
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out during the festival.
Kevin Berry, who was attending the event and listening to live music, said people immediately dropped to the ground when they heard several shots.
After the shooting ended, Berry, a Navy veteran with medical training, helped search for victims and reported seeing several people suffering from gunshot wounds scattered throughout the festival area.
Videos posted on social media showed crowds fleeing as rescue workers rushed to treat the injured.
Emergency response
Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said emergency crews are facing problems getting to hospitals because of traffic and road closures related to the festival.
Despite the congestion, the rescuers transported all the victims from the scene within about an hour.
Police officers responded to the festival immediately after the shooting began.
Festival cancelled
The violence prompted organizers to cancel the rest of the two-day Old West End festival, including all activities on Sunday.
In a statement, organizers said: “We are heartbroken for those injured at the Old West End Festival.”
They added that continuing the action would not be “compassionate, responsible or possible”.
Officials’ reaction
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern about the shooting and stressed that social events should remain safe for families.
“Summer festivals should be a safe place where families can spend time together without fear of violence.”
Toledo Safety Director George Kral described the Old West End festival as one of the city’s signature events and lamented that the shooting overshadowed the festivities.
What is the Old West End Festival?
The Old West End Festival is an annual two-day event held in the historic Old West End neighborhood of Toledo. The festival is known for:
-Local shopping attractions
It is considered one of the most important community gatherings in Toledo and usually draws large crowds each year.
what’s next
Investigators are reviewing witness statements, videos and other evidence to identify the shooter and determine a motive for the incident.
Police believe the shooting was likely a targeted exchange between gunmen, but many of the injured appear to have been bystanders caught in the crossfire.
As no arrests have yet been reported, the investigation remains active.
