Sacramento authorities are working a shooting that occurred Saturday night April 18 at the Howe Community Park area at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to Howe Park around half past six in the evening after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, a follow-up call was made about a reported physical confrontation unfolding near the park.
Aerial units searched from above but reported no active disturbance. Nevertheless, it was evident that a massive group had come together at the location without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting Howe Park shooting Sacramento up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing attendees to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
At the height of the dispersal effort that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies at once began locating gunshot victims.
Four People Shot
Altogether, four gunshot victims were found to have been shot. All four — including a female and three males all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Emergency physicians stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District also responded and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds on location.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene was believed to have taken place along the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel found more spent casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were identified in the iron perimeter fence near the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Details gathered through scanner monitoring confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four people were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video that was reviewed showed that two individuals had fired weapons.