12 People Injured in Mass Shooting Near Toledo Festival, No Arrests Made
A dozen people wounded in shooting near historic Toledo neighborhood festival, with victims ages 14-61 all in stable condition.
TOLEDO, OHIO — Twelve people were wounded in a mass shooting Saturday evening near the Old West End neighborhood’s annual festival, with victims ranging in age from 14 to 61 years old, according to the Toledo Police Department.
The shooting occurred around 5:37 p.m. on Saturday near the historic Toledo neighborhood that was celebrating its 53rd annual festival. All 12 victims remain in stable condition as of Monday afternoon, and no arrests have been made, police reported.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said during a Saturday night press conference that at least two shooters were likely firing at each other when the incident occurred.
Community Event Disrupted by Violence
“It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reason going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many years,” Heffernan said during the press conference.
The deputy chief warned against glorifying such violence, particularly among young people. “If we have some people out there, some groups of young people that are thinking that this is exciting, it’s not,” Heffernan said. “This is a perfect example of how, when bullets start flying, they can go anywhere, they can strike anybody.”
Investigation Ongoing, Community Help Requested
Toledo Police are asking for community assistance in the investigation and are requesting that people share any videos they may have taken that could help identify the suspects.
The shooting adds to a troubling national trend, with 217 mass shootings recorded in the United States so far this year, according to MassShootingTracker.site.
Ohio politicians and candidates have responded to the incident by offering prayers for the victims and their families, while gun violence prevention advocates are calling for new legislation to address the ongoing crisis.
The Old West End festival, a longtime community tradition in the historic Toledo neighborhood, had been proceeding without incident before the shooting disrupted the Saturday evening festivities.
