Multiple victims shot near popular festival as attendees are forced to run for their lives while terrified witness describes horrific scenes

By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-06 23:18:42 | Updated at 2026-06-07 21:03:25 21 hours ago

By KELLY GARINO, US REPORTER

Published: 23:45 BST, 6 June 2026 | Updated: 00:17 BST, 7 June 2026

A massive emergency response involving ambulances and police is underway in Ohio following a reported shooting with 'multiple' victims at an annual historic festival.

Police from Toledo and Lucas County, along with multiple medical units, responded to the Old West End Festival just after 5.30pm Saturday following reports of a person shot near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, according to authorities. 

Officers discovered multiple shooting victims upon arrival, many of whom have since been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. 

Witness Kevin Berry told the Daily Mail he personally observed at least five or six victims being struck by gunfire, including one graze wound and another shot to the head.

He described seeing an elderly woman fall to the ground, who he believed appeared to be experiencing heart attack symptoms during the commotion. 

Other witnesses reported hearing 'multiple gunshots' before people began fleeing the area, according to local outlet WTOL 11 News.

Berry said he heard up to eight gunshots and saw a gun drop, but did not see the shooter, who he believed fled on foot. 

'The Toledo Police Department is actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved,' authorities said in a news release.

A massive emergency response involving ambulances and police is underway in Ohio following a reported shooting with 'multiple' victims at the popular Old West End Festival

Police have since closed Detroit Avenue near West Delaware Avenue.

The multi-agency response includes Toledo police, Lucas County Sheriff's deputies, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Toledo Fire and Rescue. 

'The investigation currently includes scenes in the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue,' Toledo Police Department said.

'Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area and expect a significant police presence as officers continue their search and investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,' they added.

The incident comes as Toledo hosts its 53rd West End Festival, described as the 'biggest party of the year' celebrating 'one of the largest historic districts in the country.'

Live music, dozens of food vendors, a beer garden, house tours and shopping kicked off with the King Wamba Carnival Parade on Saturday morning, opening the two-day event. 

This is a breaking news story... 

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