Sacramento authorities are working a gun violence incident that erupted late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area as authorities were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to Howe Community Park website at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, additional information came in about a possible physical fight breaking out inside the park.
Air support conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling the hundreds present to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
At the height of the dispersal effort that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies at once began searching for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
When the dust settled, four victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses reported that two had critical injury classifications, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and assisted with medical triage those with gunshot wounds at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene was confirmed to have taken place near Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were observed in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence showed that a second shooter had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot store. The store itself was locked down as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives continued working for hours.
Suspect Information
Information obtained via scanner audio showed that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to pick up those detained for further questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that two individuals had fired weapons.