Multiple people shot near festival in Ohio with suspect still at large, police say

Multiple people have been shot near a festival in Toledo, Ohio, local police say.

The Toledo police department says it responded to a report of a shooting near the Old West End Festival, and found "multiple shooting victims," with "many victims" taken for medical treatment.

While police have not provided details on the number of people injured, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local news outlet WTOL 11 that eight people are believed to have been shot and that all victims are expected to survive.

The department says it is actively searching for the "suspect or suspects involved".

The Old West End Festival describes itself as "a two-day event celebrating one of the largest historic districts in the country with live music, multiple food markets, a beer garden, house tours, shopping, and much more".

Police say the investigation currently includes the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue. A map on the festival website suggests a music and food area was at that intersection.

Residents and visitors have been asked to avoid the area.

The BBC has reached out to the Toledo police department for further comment.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement on social media.

"Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime."

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