Sacramento authorities are probing a shooting incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park at the time officers were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, another report was received mentioning a possible physical fight unfolding read more near the park.
Aerial units flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Nevertheless, it was evident that hundreds of people had packed into the park without official sanction.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering those gathered to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots rang out. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical teams noted that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and assisted with medical triage those with gunshot wounds on location.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was believed to have happened along Cottage Way next to the Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators identified extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. These findings indicated that a second shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown while the scene was active. CSI units alongside detectives kept processing evidence through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Information obtained through scanner monitoring confirmed that a Kia connected to the shooting was intercepted in Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.