Multiple people injured after gunfire erupts near Ohio’s historic Toledo festival

TOLEDO, OHIO: Shockwaves were sent through the close-knit community of Toledo after multiple people were shot near an annual historic festival in Ohio, sending people running for their lives.

Police from Toledo and Lucas County, along with multiple medical units, responded to the scene at around 5:30 pm on Saturday, June 06 after receiving a report of a person shot near the Old West End Festival.

While police confirmed that many victims were transported for medical treatment, they have yet to release information about the severity of injuries or the total number of people struck by gunfire.

An investigation has been launched into the shooting, with authorities actively searching for suspects.

The incident comes as Toledo hosts its 53rd West End Festival, described as the 'biggest party of the year' celebrating 'one of the largest historic districts in the country.'

Eye-witness details horror at festival

Several witnesses described the horror as the shooter opened fire. Resident Kevin Berry told the Daily Mail that he witnessed at least five or six people being hit by gunfire, including one victim who suffered a graze wound and another who was shot in the head.

He said he saw an elderly woman collapse amid the chaos and believed she appeared to be suffering symptoms consistent with a heart attack.

He detailed that the shooter appeared out of nowhere, with no clear target or intent. Berry said he rushed around the area trying to alert police to the victims who had been shot, noting that officers arrived on the scene quickly.

Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of panic as attendees fled the area. At the same time, injured victims were seen walking away with blood-stained clothing, and others were transported on stretchers.

Another Ohio resident, Tony Toledo, said the suspected shooter dropped a gun directly in front of him. “Another attendee was standing over the gun, screaming for the police to get it. Cops got it immediately,” he wrote in a chilling Facebook post.

"People were bleeding. EMTs were called,' Toledo wrote, adding that he learned two people had died, though police have not yet confirmed that detail. A cop was waving an automatic rifle, screaming for us to leave the park," he said. "He didn't need to tell me twice."

Toledo Mayor says victims are expected to survive

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local outlet WTOL 11 News that all eight victims are expected to survive.

Police have since closed Detroit Avenue near West Delaware Avenue. The multi-agency response includes Toledo police, Lucas County Sheriff's deputies, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Fire and Rescue.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vehemently condemned the shooting, writing “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”

DeWine concluded his statement by saying he was “praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West Festival” and is “confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”