Law enforcement in Sacramento are looking into a shooting incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Park while authorities were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to the park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, another report was received concerning an alleged brawl occurring at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Regardless, it became clear that a massive group had come together at the location without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
At the height of the dispersal effort that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel swiftly started looking for those injured.
Those Who Were Hit
When the dust settled, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — including a female and three males all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff stated that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and assisted with medical triage shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
Most of the gunfire was believed to have happened adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor next to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that a second shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received check here through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two shooters had been involved.