Breaking

12 Shot at Toledo Festival — Manhunt Underway for Two Gunmen

TheTrendsWire Editorial
||4 min read
12 people shot at Toledo Ohio Old West End Festival on June 6 2026 — manhunt underway for two gunmen as victims aged 14 to 61 are treated in hospital
12 people shot at Toledo Ohio Old West End Festival on June 6 2026 — manhunt underway for two gunmen as victims aged 14 to 61 are treated in hospital

A community festival became a crime scene in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday evening. At least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival — one of the city's most beloved annual events — when two gunmen opened fire in what police believe was a confrontation between themselves that caught bystanders in the crossfire.

The shooting happened at approximately 5:37 PM local time near the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum, where hundreds of festival-goers had gathered for the 53rd running of the Old West End Festival — an annual celebration of Toledo's historic neighborhood featuring live music, food vendors, home tours, and community activities.

As of Sunday, no arrests had been made. An urgent manhunt is underway for at least two suspects.

This is a developing story in our Politics & World News coverage at TheTrendsWire.

What Happened

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan said it appeared the two shooters "probably" began firing toward each other — not at the crowd — during the packed outdoor festival. Innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire.

12 victims were struck by gunfire. Their ages ranged from 14 to 61 — the youngest a teenager, the oldest a 61-year-old. The full list of victim ages: 14, 16 (x2), 20, 22 (x2), 24, 29 (x2), 36, 57, and 61. Two victims were initially listed in critical condition — both have since been stabilized, according to a Sunday update from Toledo Police.

Eyewitness Tito Aguilar told CBS News he was ordering food when he witnessed a group of juveniles attacking another juvenile. He began recording on his cellphone — and then gunshots rang out. His footage captured what sounded like at least 10 shots.

Toledo police Lieutenant Dan Gerkin said he had never been to a scene like it: "Twelve people being shot — that's the most I've been to a scene. I've been to a lot of scenes, but this is way over the top."

Festival Canceled — Community Devastated

The remainder of the Old West End Festival was canceled on Sunday. Organizers said in a statement: "It would not be compassionate, responsible, or possible to continue."

"We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival," organizers said.

Toledo's Director of Public Safety George Kral — who also serves as the city's police chief — said at a press conference that the festival is "one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo, and it's a shame that something like this had to ruin it."

He made a direct plea to the public: "I know in my heart that footage is out there," Kral said, pulling out his phone. "So I am imploring my fellow Toledoans to look through your cellphone video and reach out to TPD and help them catch the people who did this."

Manhunt Continues

As of Monday morning, no arrests have been announced. Toledo police confirmed Sunday that investigators are "making progress" and "following multiple leads" — but no suspects are in custody.

Anyone with information is urged to call or text Crime Stoppers at (419) 255-1111. Anonymous tips are accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • 12 people shot near Toledo's Old West End Festival on June 6, 2026 at approximately 5:37 PM.
  • Victims range from ages 14 to 61 — two were initially critical, both now stable.
  • Police believe two gunmen fired at each other, with bystanders caught in the crossfire.
  • No arrests made as of Monday morning — manhunt active.
  • The remainder of the festival was canceled Sunday out of respect for victims.
  • Anyone with footage or information: call Crime Stoppers at (419) 255-1111.
  • Toledo Police Chief George Kral urged the public to share cellphone footage from the scene.
Tags:Toledo shootingOld West End Festival shootingToledo Ohio shootingToledo festival shooting 2026Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum shootingToledo mass shootingToledo Ohio crimeOld West End Festival canceledToledo police manhuntOhio festival shootingmass shooting 2026two gunmen ToledoToledo shooting victimsJoseph Heffernan ToledoGeorge Kral ToledoCrime Stoppers Toledofestival shooting OhioToledo shooting June 6Ohio mass shooting 2026Toledo news
Share:Twitter/XFacebook

More Stories