Gunfire echoed on Saturday night in the heart of Toledo’s historic Old West End district, leaving 12 people wounded at the city’s long‑running festival.
According to Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, the shooting involved two armed individuals, reportedly “probably shooting at each other.” No suspect has been detained in the hours that followed.
The Old West End Festival, a two‑day celebration known for live music, food vendors and neighborhood tours, was halted on Sunday. Organizers said it was not possible to continue safely and urged attendees to heed the tragedy.
The victims, ranging in age from 14 to 61 and largely in their early twenties, suffered injuries of varying severity, with two residents in critical condition. The community’s recovery will depend on swift medical care and mental‑health support for those impacted.
The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area, said Kevin Berry, a nearby resident with military medical training. He describes how he and friends were forced to “hit the deck” in the moment of the shots.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted that traffic congestion and closed roads made hospital transport difficult, yet emergencies responders managed to move all patients to care within an hour.
City Safety Director George Kral lamented the loss of a cultural centerpiece: And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it, he said. The incident marks a stark reminder that public celebrations must be protected by collective vigilance and respect for communal spaces.
Authorities are calling on witnesses to share any forensic videos or photographs that could help identify the perpetrators. In the meantime, the city of Toledo stands united in mourning the injured, hoping for swift justice and restorative peace for the community.
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