Law enforcement in Sacramento are here looking into a shooting that broke out Saturday night April 18 at the Howe Community Park area as authorities were dissolving a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Community Park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received mentioning a reported physical confrontation unfolding inside the park.
Aerial units conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it became clear that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by positioning themselves around the crowd and using their vehicle PA systems instructing the hundreds present to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel quickly moved to looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their 20s — were transported to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff reported that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and assisted with medical triage the injured at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators recovered additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the metal fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. These discoveries indicated that at least one shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained through scanner monitoring established that a Kia connected to the shooting was intercepted in an area within Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video that was reviewed revealed that there were two gunmen.