INA-sources
Gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio, wounding at least 12 people and sending some attendees scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.
No suspects were in custody hours afterward, said Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, and officials urged people who were at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos on their phones for possible leads.
The shooting happened near the Old West End Festival, an annual gathering for live music and home tours.
Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people fired weapons and they were “probably shooting at each other.”
Two of the victims were in critical condition, Heffernan added. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s, he said.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Videos posted to social media showed people running over the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry said he was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with his friends when he heard gunshots. “Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When he looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away from him. Police officers who were on site for the festival immediately responded.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, said he walked around the area looking for victims who might need help. He said he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Berry described it as the “kickoff to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
George Kral, Toledo’s safety director, said officials were discussing with organizers whether the festival would resume through the weekend.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” he said, “and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
Source: Los Angeles Times
