Officials in Sacramento County are probing a shooting that took place late Saturday at Howe Community Park as authorities were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first dispatched to Howe Community Park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, a second call came in concerning an alleged brawl breaking out at the location.
Air support flew over the park but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, it became clear that a crowd of several hundred had get more info gathered without authorization without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements directing the assembled crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots rang out. The shots caused mass panic. Officers quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
In total, four individuals were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — including a female and three males each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and assisted with medical triage the injured at the park.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have unfolded along the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators discovered more spent casings on Cottage Way. Bullet damage were observed in the iron fence near the Home Depot store. The physical evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained via scanner audio indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four individuals were taken into custody. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Surveillance footage showed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.