12 Injured in Shooting Near Ohio Festival as Police Continue Search for Suspects

At least 12 people were injured following an exchange of gunfire near a popular community festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday evening, prompting an extensive police investigation and a search for those responsible.

Authorities said the incident occurred around 5:37 p.m. near the Old West End Festival, a well-attended annual event. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of multiple shots being fired.

According to police, the victims range in age from 14 to 61 years old. Two of those injured remain in critical condition, while the others were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan described the investigation as “very active,” stating that detectives are pursuing several leads and examining evidence collected from the scene.

Police Lieutenant Dan Gerken said investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance camera footage from the area to identify those involved in the shooting. Authorities have also appealed to the public for assistance.

George Kral, Toledo’s Director of Public Safety, urged anyone who captured mobile phone footage of the incident to come forward and share it with investigators, saying such evidence could be crucial in locating the suspects.

The Toledo Police Department confirmed that the search for those responsible remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced so far.

The incident adds to growing concerns over gun violence in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 171 mass shootings have been recorded across the country so far this year.

Police have asked anyone with information related to the shooting to contact authorities as the investigation continues.