The manhunt for suspects involved in a shooting near a bustling street festival in Ohio continued into Sunday, following a weekend incident that left 12 individuals injured and sent festival-goers fleeing for safety in a historic Toledo neighborhood.
The Toledo Police Department reported on Sunday that all 12 victims, whose ages span from teenagers to individuals in their 60s, are in stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to name any potential suspects.
The shooting unfolded on Saturday in proximity to the Old West End Festival, a well-loved annual summer event set against the backdrop of streets lined with Victorian homes. Social media videos captured the chaos, showing people running as gunfire erupted and medics attending to the injured amidst a park bustling with event tents and food vendors.
According to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, it seems that at least two individuals exchanged gunfire, likely targeting each other.
As the investigation presses forward, Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates assured the public that “justice will be swift and strong.”
“Those who were frightened, traumatized or harmed by this violence will remain at the forefront of our efforts. I’ve felt outrage before, but this is personal,” Bates said in a statement. “This is my home. These are my friends and neighbors. It is not OK.”
In a brief update posted to social media Sunday, Toledo police said investigators were continuing to make progress and were following multiple leads. Authorities have urged festivalgoers to come forward with any photos or videos that might have caught a glimpse of the suspects.
Hundreds of people were at the festival, an annual two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district featuring live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Located in northwest Ohio near the western edge of Lake Erie, Toledo is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Detroit.
“As far as violence, this is over the top, right?” Toledo police Lt. Dan Gerken said Saturday. “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.”
The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday. Organizers said “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible” to continue through the weekend.
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” the festival said in a statement.
The victims ranged in age 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 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.
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.
The Ohio shooting was one of at least two episodes of mass gun violence in the U.S. over the weekend.
In Kansas City, Missouri, nine adults were injured in a shooting early Saturday, police said. Officers dispatched to the area about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of downtown found a large crowd dispersing. Police said none of the victims had life-threatening injuries and that no suspects were in custody.