Officials in Sacramento County are probing a gun violence incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Community Park as deputies were dissolving an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Community Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, a second caller reported regarding a potential altercation taking place at Howe Park.
An overhead unit scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had packed into the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies set about removing people from the park by encircling the gathering and making announcements instructing those gathered to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds rang out. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Officers at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
In total, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — made up of one woman and three men each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Hospital staff indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and assisted with medical triage shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
Most of the gunfire appears to have unfolded near the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives identified more spent casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot store. The physical evidence confirmed that one of the gunmen had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot store. The store itself was put under lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications website revealed that a Kia was intercepted in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to transport the detainees for investigation. Surveillance footage revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.