Toledo, United States. At least a dozen people were wounded on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, after two shooters exchanged gunfire, police said. Two of the wounded were in critical condition, and the victims ranged in age from 14 to 61.
Investigation under way
The incident involved two individuals shooting at each other, police said. Police Lieutenant Dan Gerken told reporters at a press conference, “I’ve been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top.”
A search remained under way for suspects in what police Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan called a “pretty active” investigation. “We do have some evidence and we’re following up on some leads,” Heffernan said.
Police seek video and witness information
Investigators were talking to multiple people and reviewing camera footage, Gerken said. George Kral, director of public safety for Toledo, made a public plea for cell phone footage that could help police find the suspects.
“I know there is information out there,” Kral said. “Please help us help you.”
Officers responded near festival
Officers were dispatched around 5:37 p.m. following a report of a person shot near the Old West End Festival, the Toledo Police Department said in a Facebook post. The department added that “many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.”
Several hundred people were at the event, Kral said. “This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo, and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” he said.
National context
Excluding the Toledo incident, the Gun Violence Archive website has recorded 171 mass shootings in the United States this year. The site defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are injured by gunfire, excluding the shooter.