At least 12 people were shot Saturday afternoon near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, police said.
Officers responded to a report of a person shot at about 5:30 p.m. and, when they arrived, found "multiple shooting victims," the Toledo police department said. Police said gunfire erupted just after 5:30 p.m. and involved at least two shooters who were "probably shooting at each other," Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said.
Police said they still had no suspects in custody Sunday and that the search for the shooters was ongoing; authorities said they had not identified any potential suspects and urged festivalgoers to come forward with any photos or videos. Anyone with information was told they could text or call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.
Twelve people were injured, two of them critically, police said.
The oldest victim was 61 and the youngest was 14, with most in their early 20s, Police Lt. Dan Gerken said. "As far as violence, this is over the top, right? Twelve people being shot, that's the most I've been to a scene. I've been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top," Gerken said.
Prosecutors said they seek "swift and strong" justice in the case, and police are pursuing multiple leads in the search for the shooters.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said closed roads and heavy traffic from people leaving the festival made it difficult to get to hospitals, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Hundreds of people were at the festival when the gunfire erupted. Organizers canceled the remainder of the festival Sunday, saying it "would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue." The festival said in a statement, "We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival." City safety director George Kral called it "one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo" and said officials were discussing the response with organizers and law enforcement.
Investigators were talking to victims and witnesses and reviewing camera footage; the investigation included scenes in the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue. Authorities said extra police officers were on duty for the festival, a large number of off-duty officers were working the event, and mobile security cameras were used. Residents and visitors were asked to avoid the area.
Kevin Berry, who said he has medical training and served in the Navy, said he was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music when he heard a handful of gunshots and that "everybody hit the deck." He said he saw a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away and that officers who were already on site responded immediately. Berry said he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds and that the victims were spread out around the arboretum area.
Heffernan said, "It's just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years."
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was "deeply concerned" and that he and First Lady Fran are praying for everyone impacted and are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved. In a statement he added, "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."
The Toledo Police Department did not immediately respond to emails and phone messages Saturday evening seeking more information.