A Saturday evening of music and house tours near Toledo's Old West End Festival was abruptly cut short when gunfire rang out just off the event, leaving several people shot and the neighborhood celebration on pause. Officers rushed in as the two-day festival was underway and quickly launched a search for whoever was responsible, while authorities urged residents and visitors to steer clear of the area so investigators could move in.
What happened
Toledo police say they were called just after 5:30 p.m. for a report of a person shot near the festival and arrived to find multiple victims at the scene. Several were taken to nearby hospitals, according to The Associated Press. The department has not released how many people were hit or detailed the severity of their injuries. Investigators are still working to piece together what led up to the gunfire.
Police search and road closures
A Toledo Police Department spokesperson told reporters that officers were focusing on the area around Delaware and Glenwood avenues and asked the public to avoid Delaware and Robinwood while they canvassed the neighborhood, as reported by WTVG/FOX19. The station noted that anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. Officers stayed on scene into the evening, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as roads remained restricted.
Festival context
The Old West End Festival is a long-running, two-day neighborhood tradition built around live music, food vendors, and home tours. This year's dates are listed as June 6 to 7 on The Old West End Festival site. National coverage by CBS News confirmed that the shooting unfolded while the festival was in progress, turning what is typically a showcase weekend for the neighborhood into an active crime scene.
Investigation underway
Police have not released any suspect descriptions or a possible motive, and officials said further updates will be posted on the department's official social media accounts, FOX 2 Detroit reported. The Associated Press likewise said investigators are actively searching for those involved and urged anyone with tips or video from the area to come forward. This remains a developing story and will be updated as officials release more information.
