A beloved community festival that has brought families together for decades descended into chaos and panic Saturday evening when gunfire erupted near the event, leaving at least 12 people wounded and forcing organizers to cancel the festival’s final day.

Authorities say the mass shooting unfolded near Toledo’s annual Old West End Festival, a celebration known for its historic homes, live entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. What began as a festive summer gathering quickly transformed into a crime scene as terrified attendees ran for cover while bullets flew through the crowded neighborhood.

Police are now searching for two suspected gunmen believed to have exchanged fire in an incident that sent victims ranging in age from just 14 years old to 61 years old to local hospitals.

The violence erupted shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, near the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, according to the Toledo Police Department.

Officers were dispatched to the area following reports of a person being shot. However, when first responders arrived, they discovered the situation was far more serious than initially believed.

Multiple victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

As ambulances rushed to transport the wounded to nearby medical centers, officers secured the area and began searching for suspects.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shooting victims,” Toledo police said in a statement.

The department confirmed that numerous victims required medical treatment and that investigators immediately launched an active search for those responsible.

The shooting occurred near the Old West End Festival, one of Toledo’s most celebrated annual events. Every year, thousands of residents and visitors gather in the historic neighborhood to enjoy music, food, arts, and community activities.

Saturday’s event had attracted large crowds, making the outbreak of violence even more alarming.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as gunshots rang out.

People who had been enjoying festival attractions suddenly found themselves running for safety. Parents grabbed children, vendors abandoned booths, and festival-goers scrambled to determine where the shots were coming from.

For many, the realization that a shooting was unfolding nearby came only after seeing people flee in panic.

Authorities later confirmed that at least 12 individuals had been struck by gunfire.

According to officials, two of the victims remained in critical condition following the attack.

The remaining victims suffered injuries of varying severity.

Investigators said the ages of those wounded ranged from 14 to 61 years old, highlighting how indiscriminate the violence was.

Most of the victims were reportedly in their early twenties, but the broad age range underscores the fact that people from across the community were caught in the crossfire.

As emergency crews worked to treat victims and secure the area, law enforcement agencies from across the region joined the investigation.

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted Toledo police as detectives began collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage.

Authorities quickly established multiple crime scenes spanning several blocks.

Investigators focused much of their attention on areas surrounding Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, where evidence suggested portions of the shooting may have unfolded.

Residents were urged to avoid the area as officers conducted searches and processed evidence.

Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan provided additional details during a press conference later Saturday.

According to investigators, preliminary evidence suggests that two shooters were involved.

Police believe the gunmen may have been firing at one another rather than intentionally targeting the crowd.

“We believe there were two shooters who were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said.

That possibility has intensified concerns because it suggests innocent bystanders may have been caught between rival individuals engaged in a gun battle.

As of Saturday night, no arrests had been announced.

Investigators continued working through the night to identify suspects and determine what sparked the violence.

Authorities have not yet released descriptions of the shooters or indicated whether they believe the suspects knew each other.

Detectives are reviewing witness statements and video footage in hopes of tracing the suspects’ movements before and after the shooting.

The lack of immediate arrests has left many community members anxious and searching for answers.

For longtime residents, the shooting was particularly painful because of the event’s reputation as a positive community tradition.

The Old West End Festival has been a staple of Toledo life for generations, drawing visitors from across Ohio and beyond.

Known for showcasing one of the nation’s largest collections of Victorian-era homes, the festival typically emphasizes culture, history, music, and neighborhood pride.

Saturday’s violence shattered that atmosphere.

“It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many years,” Heffernan said.

His comments reflected the frustration felt by many residents who struggled to understand how such violence could erupt during an event designed to bring people together.

Police officials noted that security measures had been implemented for the festival.

Law enforcement presence was visible throughout the event, and organizers had worked closely with authorities to ensure public safety.

Nevertheless, the shooting still occurred.

“We had the security in place so that something like this wouldn’t happen and, unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway,” Heffernan said.

The incident has reignited conversations about public safety at large community gatherings across the country.

In recent years, festivals, concerts, parades, and other public events have increasingly faced concerns about gun violence.

While investigators have not suggested the Old West End Festival itself was specifically targeted, the fact that so many people were injured near a major public event has intensified those worries.

By Sunday morning, festival organizers faced a difficult decision.

After consulting with law enforcement officials and community leaders, organizers announced the cancellation of all remaining festival activities scheduled for June 7.

In a statement, the organization expressed heartbreak over the victims and their families.

“We are heartbroken about those who were injured at the Old West End Festival,” organizers said.

The statement acknowledged that continuing the celebration under such circumstances would be inappropriate.

“Many people want to know how we proceed from such a dark place,” the statement continued.

“After discussion with festival organizers and law enforcement, we feel that it would not be compassionate, responsible, or possible to continue the festival.”

The cancellation marked a somber ending to an event that typically serves as a highlight of Toledo’s summer calendar.

Instead of celebrating community achievements and neighborhood pride, residents found themselves grappling with the aftermath of a mass shooting.

As investigators continue searching for the gunmen, community leaders are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Authorities believe witness accounts could prove critical in identifying those responsible and determining exactly how the confrontation began.

For now, the focus remains on the victims and their recovery.

Families are waiting anxiously for updates on loved ones, while two critically injured victims continue fighting for their lives.

Meanwhile, detectives face the difficult task of unraveling what happened during those chaotic moments when gunfire erupted near one of Toledo’s most cherished traditions.

The investigation remains active, and police say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

Until then, a community that gathered to celebrate together is left mourning a day that ended not with music and festivities, but with sirens, flashing lights, and the lasting trauma of violence.