12 Shot at Old West End Festival in Toledo, Two in Critical Condition

Twelve people were shot Saturday evening near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, leaving two victims in critical condition and prompting police to cancel the remainder of the beloved annual event. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most of those injured in their early 20s.

Toledo police Deputy Chief Joe Heffernan said officers responded quickly after shots rang out near Delaware and Glenwood avenues, where hundreds of people had gathered for the two-day celebration.

Investigators believe at least two shooters were firing at each other during the incident. As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been made.

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Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken described the scale of the violence as deeply troubling. “As far as violence, this is over the top,” he said.

“Twelve people is a lot. This is way over the top.” Gerken added that investigators do not believe any of the injured were suspects, and that detectives were actively speaking with victims and witnesses while reviewing surveillance footage from the area.

Eyewitness Kevin Berry, a Navy veteran with medical training, was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music when he heard gunshots. Everyone around him dropped to the ground.

When he looked up, he saw a firearm tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away. Berry walked the area and counted at least five people with gunshot wounds, describing victims spread out across the arboretum.

Emergency Responders Faced Major Obstacles Getting to Victims

Toledo Fire and Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong said her crews faced significant challenges reaching the wounded because festival road closures had already blocked off much of the surrounding area.

Despite those obstacles, all patients were transported from the scene within an hour. Armstrong said she was proud of how her crews performed under difficult circumstances.

Festival organizers announced Sunday morning that the remainder of the event would not go on, saying it would not be compassionate, responsible, or possible to continue.

The Old West End Festival is an annual gathering in Toledo’s historic district featuring live music, food vendors, home tours, and shopping. Safety Director George Kral called it one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo.

Police Asking Community to Come Forward With Any Evidence

Officials at all levels urged anyone who recorded video or witnessed the shooting to contact Toledo police. Councilman John Hobbs III said the shooting does not represent Toledo, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement saying summer festivals should be safe spaces for families.

Toledo police released a statement Sunday morning confirming no arrests and asking the public to submit tips. Anyone with information is encouraged to call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.

Callers may remain anonymous, and officials said personal safety concerns can also be addressed.

Heffernan said the shooting serves as a grim reminder of how gunfire endangers innocent bystanders. “When bullets start flying,” he said, “they can strike anyone.”