• Multiple people were shot near Toledo's Old West End Festival, prompting a police investigation.
• At least 12 people were injured, with two in critical condition.
• A search for suspects is ongoing, with eyewitness accounts of chaos during the incident.

A shooting occurred Saturday near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, injuring at least 12 people and generating a significant police response. Authorities reported that several victims were taken to local hospitals and that a search for suspects was underway. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted, causing attendees to flee the area, according to BBC, SCMP, and India Times.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan indicated that at least two individuals may have opened fire, likely targeting each other. Eyewitness Kevin Berry recounted the chaos, stating, “Everybody hit the deck,” as gunshots rang out, and he started to look for injured festival-goers. He reported seeing multiple victims with gunshot wounds, as noted by India Times, NPR, and LA Times.

Officials confirmed that two victims were in critical condition, with the ages of those injured ranging from 14 to 61, predominantly in their early 20s. The initial response included the transport of victims to hospitals, though some faced delays due to roadway blockages from the fleeing crowd. This description was provided by LA Times and NPR.

Governor Mike DeWine expressed his concerns about the safety of summer festivals, emphasizing that such events should be safe for families. The Old West End Festival, known for its live music and community spirit, was quickly marred by this violence, prompting the cancellation of the remainder of the festivities, according to India Times and LA Times.