Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a gunfire incident that occurred Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at Howe Community Park shortly before 6:30 PM on April 18 after receiving reports of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, additional information came in mentioning a possible fight unfolding near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, it was evident that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems telling the assembled crowd to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
Just as the crowd began to move that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
When the dust settled, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The victims — comprising three men and one woman each apparently in their twenties — were brought to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. In a positive development, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds at the park.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators discovered additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot. This unauthorized gathering shooting Sacramento evidence confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives kept processing evidence late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a Kia had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four suspects were taken into custody. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that two individuals had fired weapons.