Sacramento authorities are looking into a violent incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area while deputies were clearing read more a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at Howe Park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, a second caller reported describing a potential altercation unfolding near the park.
Air support was sent to survey the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems telling the hundreds present to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers immediately began looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Hospital staff stated that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and provided medical assistance the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have been concentrated near Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Detectives located additional shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Round impacts were noted in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries confirmed that one of the gunmen had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene personnel continued working late into the evening.
Arrests Made
Details gathered via scanner audio established that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were dispatched to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.