Lucas County prosecutors dismissed all charges against a suspect in a Toledo festival shooting
Prosecutors dropped all charges against Eljay Crisp-Carr, 20, who was arrested in connection with a shooting at Toledo’s Old West End Festival that wounded 12. Prosecutors cited “new and developing evidence.” Crisp-Carr spent about five months in jail and said he was misidentified, telling WTVG, “I wasn’t there.”
More context
On Friday, Lucas County prosecutors dismissed every charge against 20-year-old Eljay Crisp-Carr, arrested after gunfire at Toledo’s Old West End Festival wounded 12 people. The prosecutor’s office cited “new and developing evidence,” while court records dated Oct. 30 show the case was dismissed. Crisp-Carr spent about five months in jail before his release. He told WTVG he was misidentified as a shooter and said, “I wasn’t there.” Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates said her office informed Crisp-Carr’s attorney in September 2026 that discovery might support his defense. Bates said the Toledo Police Department’s investigation continues and that both the department and prosecutor’s office remain committed to following the evidence and getting it right.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- MyNorthwest — Prosecutor drops charges against man arrested in Ohio festival shooting that wounded 12
- 13abc WTVG Toledo — ‘I wasn’t there’: Man accused in Toledo mass shooting says he was misidentified, all charges dropped
- The Guardian — Charges dropped against man arrested in mass shooting at Ohio festival that wounded 12
Verifier’s note
13abc and The Guardian report that prosecutors dropped charges against Eljay Crisp-Carr in connection with Toledo’s festival shooting, which wounded 12. MyNorthwest also reports the dismissal, but its story is AP copy.