Shooting at Toledo Festival: Multiple injuries reported
Toledo police reported they are actively searching for the suspects involved.
Fox – 2 Detroit
Twelve people were struck by gunfire, two seriously, in a shooting near a popular neighborhood festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday, June 6, city officials announced at a press conference.
Toledo Police Department officers responded at approximately 5:37 p.m. ET to reports of a shooting in the area of Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, near the annual Old West End Festival, the department said.
Police believe the incident occurred when at least two people began firing at each other at the festival. No deaths were reported as of late Saturday, police said.
The department said investigators are actively searching for the suspect involved in the shooting. Authorities are asking people who attended the festival to share any photos or videos they have.
Officials said police were on the scene at the time of the shooting, heard gunshots, and had a large police presence, including off-duty officers working for the festival.
When officers arrived, they found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said several victims were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
“It was excessive in terms of violence,” said Lt. Dan Gerken of the Toledo Police Department.
The shooting occurred near the Old West End Festival. The Old West End Festival is a long-running community event that draws thousands of visitors each year to one of Toledo’s most historic neighborhoods.
“It’s really unfortunate that some people, for whatever reason that may have crossed their minds, decided to interrupt an event that has been a beloved community event for years and years,” said Sgt. Mohammad Ali Nasser is a public information officer for the Toledo Police Department.
Police said the investigation spanned multiple locations, including areas near Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue. Residents and festival-goers were urged to avoid the area and to expect a heavy law enforcement presence as officers continued to search and investigators determined the cause of the shooting.
USA TODAY has contacted the Toledo Police Department for additional information.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a social media post that he was “deeply concerned” about the Toledo shooting.
“Summer festivals should be a safe place for families to come together without fear of violence,” DeWine said on the X-Post. He said the family is praying for the victim and added that he is confident “law enforcement will find the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”
This story is developing and will be updated with new information.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com.
