Multiple people were shot near Toledo’s Old West End Festival on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in a chaotic incident that left victims scattered across the historic neighborhood and police searching for a suspect who may have fled on foot. The shooting, which occurred just as the festival was kicking off, has left at least eight people injured—some critically—and raised urgent questions about public safety as Toledo prepares for its summer festival season.
The Shooting: What Happened at the Old West End Festival
The gunfire erupted around 5:37 p.m. ET near Delaware and Glenwood avenues, just as live music was playing and crowds gathered for the annual Old West End Festival. According to the Toledo Police Department, officers arrived to find “multiple shooting victims” sprawled across the area, with witnesses describing a scene of panic as people dropped to the ground and others ran for cover. The AP reported that at least eight gunshots were fired, with a gun later found discarded near the arboretum.
Witness Kevin Berry, a Navy veteran with medical training, told the Daily Mail he saw “at least five or six victims” struck by gunfire, including one with a head wound and another elderly woman who collapsed. Berry described the shooter as having fled on foot, leaving behind a scene of chaos: “Everybody hit the deck,” he said. “The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area.”
Social media videos captured the immediate aftermath, showing attendees in bloodied clothing and others being carried away on stretchers. One witness, Tony Toledo, wrote on Facebook that he was eating ribs when the shooting began: “I was eating ribs. Dropped the ribs. Every person at the park stopped to the ground. I am ok.” He added that the shooter ran past him just 10 feet away, dropping his gun before fleeing. Police recovered the weapon quickly, but the suspect remains at large.
Victims and Response: How Many Were Hurt and Who Is Helping?
As of Sunday morning, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz confirmed to WTOL 11 News that all eight victims are expected to survive, though the severity of their injuries remains unclear. The Toledo Police Department has not released the exact number of injured or the conditions of those hospitalized, but multiple sources reported that “many victims” were transported to nearby medical facilities, including Mercy Health hospitals.
The response involved multiple agencies, including Toledo police, Lucas County Sheriff’s deputies, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Toledo Fire and Rescue. The AP noted that the festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music and food vendors, serves as the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.” The incident has prompted authorities to urge residents and visitors to avoid the area and expect a heavy police presence in the coming days.
The Investigation: What Police Know (and What They Don’t)
Police have not identified the suspect or suspects, nor have they provided a motive for the shooting. The Toledo Police Department stated that investigators are combing the area near Delaware and Robinwood avenues, where the shooting began, and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.
Witness accounts suggest the shooting was random, with no clear target. Berry told the Daily Mail that the gunfire started while a band was still playing, and there was no indication of a specific victim being pursued. The lack of a clear motive or suspect profile has left authorities scrambling to piece together what happened—and why.
What Comes Next: Safety Concerns and Festival Season
The Old West End Festival is one of Toledo’s most beloved annual events, drawing thousands to its historic district. But the shooting has cast a shadow over the city’s summer plans. With the festival season just beginning, residents and officials are now grappling with questions about public safety and how to proceed.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz has not yet commented on whether the festival will continue as scheduled, but the incident has already sparked discussions about security measures. The ABC News noted that the shooting occurred in a neighborhood known for its community events, raising concerns about whether similar incidents could happen again.
For now, the focus remains on the investigation. Police have not ruled out additional suspects, and the search for the gunman continues. Meanwhile, Toledo’s residents—many of whom were just beginning to enjoy the start of summer—are left with questions: Will the festival resume? How safe is the neighborhood now? And what does this mean for the city’s future?
One thing is clear: the shooting has shattered the sense of security that once defined the Old West End Festival. As authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice, Toledo will be watching closely to see how—or if—the city can heal and move forward.
