At least 12 shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio, police searching for suspects

At least 12 shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio, police searching for suspects

Deputy chief says it appeared at least 2 people were firing weapons, 2 critically hurt

A shooting near a community festival in Toledo, Ohio, wounded at least 12 people, said police as the search for suspects continued after gunfire sent crowds scrambling for cover late Saturday afternoon.

Two of the wounded were in critical condition, Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said.

It appeared at least two people were firing weapons and they were "probably shooting at each other."

The Toledo Police Department said the shooting occurred just after 5:30 p.m. ET near the annual Old West End Festival, in a historic district of the city.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement: "I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence."

Theresa Morris, a city council member, spoke about the impact of the shooting on people in the city.

"This tragedy is really weighing heavily on both the residents and those who visit and enjoy this festival year after year."

Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running over the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.

Kevin Berry said he was sitting in the neighbourhood arboretum listening to live music with his friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.

"Everybody hit the deck," he said.

When he looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground about 15 metres away from him. Officers who were already at the site for the festival immediately responded to the scene.

Berry, who has medical training and served in the U.S. navy, said he walked around the area looking for potential victims who might need help.

He said he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.

"The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area."

The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.

Berry described it as the "kickoff to Toledo's summer festival season."