Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are examining a shooting incident that unfolded late Saturday at Howe Park as law enforcement were clearing a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first dispatched to the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 PM after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, additional information came in concerning a possible fight happening at Howe Park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but reported no active disturbance. However, deputies found that a massive group had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing attendees to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots were fired. The sudden gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Ultimately, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one had injuries classified as minor. As of last report, all here four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire arrived on scene and provided medical assistance those who had been shot on location.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire appears to have been concentrated near the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators identified more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Round impacts were observed in the wrought iron fence bordering the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that a shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies revealed that a suspect Kia had been stopped in Solano County California. Four people were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Surveillance footage revealed that there were two gunmen.