Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a shooting that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park at the moment authorities were shutting down an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement first arrived at Howe Park at about half past six in the evening after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported about a possible physical fight happening at the location.
A sheriff's airship flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, deputies found that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and announcing over their public address systems instructing the hundreds present to go home. About 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The shots triggered a stampede. Responding personnel wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one had injuries classified as minor. As of last report, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento fire crews arrived on scene and helped care for shooting victims prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have been concentrated near the Cottage Way side of the park next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators located more spent casings on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the metal fencing surrounding the Home Depot. These discoveries showed that a shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was locked down while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives continued working late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained via scanner audio indicated that a Kia was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were check here en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that two shooters had been involved.