In a tragic turn of events, the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, was disrupted by a shooting that left at least 12 people injured. The incident occurred on Saturday near the festival, a beloved two-day event in Toledo’s historic district known for its live music, food vendors, and home tours.

Community in Shock

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan reported that at least two individuals appeared to have exchanged gunfire, likely targeting each other. The chaos led to festival-goers scrambling for safety, while others rushed to assist the wounded. The festival, which draws hundreds of attendees, was canceled on Sunday out of respect and safety concerns.

In a statement, the festival organizers expressed their heartbreak over the injuries sustained by attendees. The victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 61, with most being in their early 20s. Two individuals remain in critical condition.

Calls for Community Assistance

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine voiced his concern, emphasizing that summer festivals should be safe havens for families. Authorities are urging anyone with photos or videos from the event to come forward to aid in the investigation. Social media has been flooded with videos showing the panic and emergency response efforts.

Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted the challenges faced by emergency responders due to road closures and festival traffic. Despite these obstacles, all patients were transported to hospitals within an hour.

Witness Accounts

Kevin Berry, a festival attendee with medical training and a Navy background, recounted the moment gunshots rang out. He witnessed a firearm being discarded nearby and immediately began assisting those injured. Berry described the victims as being spread out across the arboretum area.

George Kral, Toledo’s safety director, lamented the disruption of one of the city’s most iconic festivals. The search for the suspects continues as the community seeks to heal from this unsettling event.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.