Investigators are searching for two people believed to have opened fire Saturday afternoon near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, leaving 12 people wounded, police said.
Toledo Police Chief Michael Trinley said the suspects are believed to be two males between the ages of 18 and 24; investigators have brought in several people of interest for interviews, executed several search warrants and made no arrests.
Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups that led to a foot chase and a physical altercation before one person produced a firearm and someone from the rival group returned fire; gunfire rang out just after 5:30 p.m.
Police Lt. Dan Gerken said the oldest victim was 61 and the youngest 14, most victims were in their early 20s, and investigators estimate three of those shot were involved in the incident while nine were caught in the crossfire.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said all of the wounded are expected to survive and that nine people had been released from the hospital; Toledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong said bystanders administered tourniquets and comforted victims, adding, "While that act showed us the worst of humanity, what followed in the moments after showed us the very best."
Investigators have recovered and are examining two firearms and are comparing them to shell casings, and Trinley said officials have "significant leads on who's involved" and are hoping to make arrests "shortly."
Kapszukiewicz said the Old West End Festival was halted a day early and that city officials are discussing changes including strengthened curfews and more opportunities to check bags; he said "late summer or early September would be a good time to put a bow on that weekend."