By Ahmed Abdelsalam
An Ohio prosecutor on Friday dismissed all charges against a 20-year-old man arrested in connection with a June shooting that wounded 12 people at a crowded street festival in Toledo.
Charges Dismissed Citing New Evidence
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia Bates said the decision followed the discovery of “new and developing evidence” that may support the defense of Eljay Crisp-Carr. Crisp-Carr had faced multiple counts of attempted murder, felonious assault, gang activity and firearms-related charges. His attorney, Alex Bodiford, had argued that police arrested the wrong man. A judge agreed to dismiss the charges without prejudice, leaving open the possibility that prosecutors could refile them.
Shooting at Old West End Festival
The gunfire erupted on June 6 during the Old West End Festival in a historic Toledo neighborhood. Hundreds of attendees were present at the park event, which featured tents, music and food trucks. Police said a fight between rival groups escalated into two people shooting at each other, though neither shooter was among the wounded. A detective’s criminal complaint described video showing Crisp-Carr participating in the fight and then firing indiscriminately into the crowd after another man began shooting. The victims ranged from teenagers to a person in their 60s. Organizers canceled the festival’s second day.
Other Suspect Remains in Custody
Another man charged in the shooting remains in jail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 9. The Toledo Police Department continues its investigation, and both the department and the prosecutor’s office said they remain committed to following the evidence.
