TOLEDO, Ohio — Organizers of the Old West End Festival have canceled all remaining activities after a shooting Saturday evening left 12 people injured and sent investigators searching for multiple suspects.
According to the Toledo Police Department, officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire near Delaware and Glenwood avenues during the popular neighborhood festival. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61 years old.
Police said two of the injured individuals remain in critical condition.
Authorities believe at least two shooters may have been involved, though no arrests had been announced as of Saturday night. Detectives continued collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses while officers searched the surrounding area.
With hundreds of people attending the festival at the time of the shooting, city officials are asking anyone who may have captured photos or video to contact investigators.
“I know in my heart that footage is out there,” said Director of Public Safety George Kral. “So I am imploring my fellow Toledoans to look through your cell phone video and reach out to TPD and help them catch the people who did this.”
Kral called the incident especially troubling given the long history of the annual event.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo, and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” he said.
Festival organizers announced Saturday night that Sunday’s scheduled activities would not take place.
“Too often we turn on the news and learn of a celebration somewhere that turns into a tragedy. Now, that news comes from our own neighborhood,” organizers said in a statement.
The organization added that continuing the festival after the violence would not be “compassionate, responsible or possible.”
Police continue to investigate what led to the shooting and are encouraging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
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