Authorities continued their search for suspects on Sunday following a shooting incident over the weekend that left 12 people injured near a street festival in Ohio. The chaotic scene unfolded in a bustling neighborhood of Toledo, leaving festival-goers in a state of panic.
According to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, the initial investigation suggests that at least two individuals exchanged gunfire on Saturday close to the Old West End Festival. The shooters were likely targeting each other, he noted.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos capturing the frantic moments as attendees fled amidst the sound of gunfire. Emergency responders could be seen providing aid to those who had been injured in the melee.
As the pursuit of the gunmen continued, Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates promised decisive action. “Justice will be swift and strong,” she declared.
Bates expressed her personal connection to the community affected by the violence. “For those who suffered fear, trauma, or injury, our commitment is unwavering,” she stated. “I have felt outrage before, but this strikes close to home. These are my friends and neighbors, and this is unacceptable.”
Authorities say a search for the shooters was ongoing and had not identified any potential suspects. They urged festivalgoers to come forward with any photos or videos.
“As far as violence, this is over the top, right?” Toledo police Lt. Dan Gerken said. “Twelve people being shot, that’s the most I’ve been to a scene. I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top.”
Hundreds of people were at the festival, an annual two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.
The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday. Organizers said “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.”
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival said in a statement.
Two of the victims were in critical condition on Saturday, Heffernan said. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult for emergency responders to get the injured to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but all were transported within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, said the Old West End Festival is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo.
“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.