Gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio, wounding at least 12 people and sending some eventgoers scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.

No suspects were in custody hours afterward, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said, 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 of 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 of them in their early 20s.

“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.”

Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid 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 was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.

“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.

When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.

Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and 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 “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”

George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organizers whether it would continue 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.”

TOLEDO, Ohio – Twelve people were shot, including two who suffered critical injuries, during a shooting near Toledo’s annual Old West End Festival.

The incident occurred on Saturday (June 6) in Ohio.

Update: Police: Victims in Toledo festival shooting range in age from 14 to 61

Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 5:37 p.m. near the popular community festival, which is held annually in Toledo.

Heffernan said police were already in the area when the shooting occurred and responded immediately.

Preliminary information indicates that at least two shooters were involved and may have been firing at one another.

Investigators believe the exchange of gunfire resulted in 12 people being struck by bullets.

“Officers were quick to respond. They were right there when the shots were coming out,” Heffernan said.

Two victims were reported in critical condition, while the conditions of the remaining victims were not immediately available.

Heffernan said police secured the scene and began processing evidence shortly after the shooting.

Officials said they have collected evidence and are actively pursuing leads.

The investigation remains in its early stages, and no suspects have been taken into custody as of Saturday evening.

“We’re still very early in the investigative process,” Heffernan said.

The Old West End Festival is an annual event that draws large crowds to one of Toledo’s historic neighborhoods.

Police said the scene was being dismantled as investigators completed their initial processing, but the investigation remains active.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – James Stephen McGuire, Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully, on Friday morning, June 5, 2026, at the Hospice House.

James was born January 14, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of the late Olin and Sylvia Sipus McGuire.

After attending Youngstown East High School, he enlisted in the US AirForce.  Upon his discharge, he was an electrician for the P & LE Railroad and the Youngstown Waste Water Treatment plant.  His best job was being a husband and dad. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. His wife, the former Gloria Jean Kozak, passed away on February 22, 2015.    

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sons, Jim (and former wife Denise) McGuire, Jr. and Darin McGuire and Brett (Fancie, who called him her PaPa), who was Jim’s caregiver since the death of his wife; his sister, Carol Cascarelli; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and brother, Ron.    

The family has entrusted Kubina-Yuhasz-Wasko Funeral Home, 5925 Market Street, Boardman, with James’s arrangements, where they will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., on Monday, June 8, 2026, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Keith Panning. He will be laid to rest, next to his wife, at Lake Park Cemetery. 

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view the obituary and send the family condolences.

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