Chaos near Toledo festival leaves dozens injured as investigation continues

At least 12 people were injured, including two in critical condition, after gunfire broke out near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday evening, in what police believe involved two shooters.

According to the Toledo Police Department, officers responded at approximately 5:37 p.m. local time on June 6 to reports of a shooting near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue. 

Upon arrival, they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shooting victims. Many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment,” police said in a statement shared on Facebook. 

Authorities added that the department is “actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved.”

Police later confirmed that the injured victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with the majority in their early 20s. Two individuals remain in critical condition.

During a press briefing, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said investigators believe two shooters were involved in the incident and may have been firing at each other.

“We believe there were two shooters who were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said. No arrests have been made as of Sunday morning.

Officials said additional investigation activity extended to nearby areas, including Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, as multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid the area as law enforcement continued searching for those responsible and worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons … decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many years,” Heffernan added. 

“We had security in place so that something like this wouldn’t happen and, unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway.”

The Old West End Festival, an annual community event known for live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, was immediately impacted by the violence. 

Organizers later announced the cancellation of all scheduled Sunday events, citing safety concerns and out of respect for the victims.

“We are heartbroken about those who were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the organization said in a statement. 

“After discussion with festival organizers and law enforcement, we feel that it would not be compassionate, responsible, or possible to continue the festival.”

The investigation remains ongoing.