Police Close In on 2 Suspects in Toledo Festival Shooting
TOLEDO, Ohio — Authorities have identified a 20-year-old suspect and are seeking the public’s help to find a second shooter after a mass shooting at the Old West End Festival wounded 12 people on Saturday, June 6. The violence erupted from a dispute between two rival groups, leaving nine innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Ka Nye Taylor is wanted on 11 counts of felonious assault, the Toledo Police Department announced Wednesday, four days after the shooting at the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum, adjacent to the festival grounds. Police also released a photo of a second male suspect who was dressed in all black at the festival and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him, according to AP News.
The Shooting
The shooting unfolded just after 5:30 p.m. EDT on June 6 at the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum, near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, where the annual Old West End Festival was underway. According to Toledo Police Chief Michael Troendle, the incident began when someone was tackled and assaulted at the festival, prompting one person to open fire and a second to respond with more gunshots.
Three of the 12 people shot were involved in the altercation, while the remaining nine were innocent bystanders. The victims range in age from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s. As of Tuesday, nine of the 12 had been released from the hospital, and all are expected to survive, NBC News reported.
Victims and Response
Half of the victims arrived at hospitals with tourniquets already applied by police officers or bystanders who rushed to help. Chief of Fire and Rescue Allison Armstrong praised the quick actions of those at the scene.
“We saw strangers who were shocked and frightened by the violence they just saw, they jumped into action,” Armstrong said. “They helped others by placing tourniquets, dressing wounds, applying pressure and comforting those victims until additional help could arrive.”
The festival, a beloved two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic Old West End district that features live music, food vendors, and home tours, was canceled for its second day. Organizers said it would not have been “compassionate, responsible or possible” to continue, as reported by WTVG 13abc.
Investigation Progress
The investigation has advanced significantly over four days. On Monday, an 18-year-old man was taken in for questioning and later released. By Tuesday, police had confirmed the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups. On Wednesday, authorities named Taylor as a suspect and released images of a second shooter.
Taylor is described as a Black male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward, and the U.S. Marshals Service has added $5,000 for information leading to arrests.
Toledo Director of Public Safety George Kral urged the community to come forward with any evidence. “I know in my heart that footage is out there,” Kral said. “So I am imploring my fellow Toledoans to look through your cell phone video and reach out to TPD and help them catch the people who did this.”
Community and Official Response
The shooting has drawn condemnation from local and state leaders. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said the community must not accept such violence as normal. “What happened today at the Old West End Festival, sadly, has happened in too many American cities,” the mayor said. “But we should never shrug our shoulders and accept it as the price of living in a free society. As a country, we must do better.”
Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates pledged a vigorous prosecution. “I pledge that justice will be swift and strong,” Bates said. “Those who were frightened, traumatized or harmed by this violence will remain at the forefront of our efforts.”
What’s Next
Authorities continue to search for both suspects. The U.S. Marshals Service’s involvement signals federal coordination in the manhunt. Once apprehended, Taylor faces 11 counts of felonious assault — one for each victim shot — and the second shooter is expected to face similar charges.
The Old West End Association has organized support sessions for those affected, offering counseling and resources. As the community begins to heal, the case underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence at public events across the United States.