At least a dozen people were wounded on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, as two shooters exchanged gunfire, police reported. Two of the wounded are in critical condition, according to police at a news conference. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, authorities said. The incident involved two individuals shooting at each other.
Police Response and Investigation
Police Lieutenant Dan Gerken described the scene as unprecedented. "I've been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top," he told reporters. Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan called the investigation "pretty active," stating, "We do have some evidence and we're following up on some leads." Investigators are interviewing multiple witnesses and reviewing camera footage, Gerken added.
Public Appeal for Evidence
George Kral, director of public safety for Toledo, made a public plea for cell phone footage. "I know there is information out there," Kral said. "Please help us help you." Officers were dispatched around 5:37 p.m. following a report of a person shot near the Old West End Festival, the Toledo Police Department said in a Facebook post, noting that "many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment."
Festival Impact and National Context
Several hundred people were at the event, Kral said. "This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo, and it's a shame that something like this had to ruin it," he lamented. Excluding the Toledo incident, the Gun Violence Archive website has recorded 171 mass shootings in the United States this year. The site defines a mass shooting as an incident with at least four people injured by gunfire, excluding the shooter.
