Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are probing a shooting incident that broke out late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment deputies were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Community Park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, additional information came in about a reported physical confrontation taking place inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it became clear that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems telling the crowd to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for the gathering to break up.
At the height of the dispersal effort that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. Gunfire caused mass panic. Deputies wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Medical personnel confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and aided in treating shooting victims at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene was determined to have occurred adjacent to Cottage Way near the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing bordering the Home Depot store. These discoveries indicated that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way in website the direction of the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information relayed through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a suspect Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Video evidence confirmed that two individuals had fired weapons.