Sacramento authorities are investigating a gun violence incident that erupted Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento as deputies were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after being notified Howe Park Sacramento gunfire of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in mentioning a reported physical confrontation happening inside the park.
An overhead unit was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, it became clear that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling those gathered to leave immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Law enforcement immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
In total, four individuals were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims each apparently in their twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams reported that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Thankfully, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured prior to hospital transport.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene was confirmed to have unfolded near Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators located extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown as a precaution. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location for hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed via scanner audio confirmed that a Kia was intercepted in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Video evidence established that two shooters had been involved.