Police said at least 12 people were wounded, with the suspected gunmen still at large

At least 12 people have been wounded in a shooting near a street festival in Toledo, Ohio, with videos from the scene showing crowds fleeing in panic as police launched a manhunt for the suspects.

The incident occurred near the Old West End Festival in the city of Toledo on Saturday. Officers responded to reports of a shooting at around 5:37 p.m. local time near the event and found multiple gunshot victims upon arrival, according to the Toledo Police Department.

"Many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment," police said, adding that the search for the suspect or suspects was ongoing. Police later said at least 12 people were injured, including two who were in critical condition. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, according to local media reports.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people had been firing weapons and were "probably shooting at each other."

In a video posted online, multiple shots can be heard as people flee the area in panic.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as festivalgoers dived for cover. Kevin Berry, a Navy veteran with medical training who was at the scene when the shooting occurred, said that "everybody hit the deck" as gunfire erupted. He told AP he saw at least five wounded people "spread out around the arboretum area."

Police, who were already present at the festival, responded immediately, according to officials. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area as officers continued searching for the suspects and investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was "deeply concerned" by the incident, adding that "summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence."

The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration held in Toledo's historic district. This year's event, the 53rd annual edition, was scheduled for June 6 and 7 and featured live music, food markets, a beer garden, home tours, shopping, and the King Wamba Carnival Parade.

(RT.com)