Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a violent incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park while authorities were clearing an unlawful assembly of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Background
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially responded to Howe Community Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after receiving reports of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Not long after, another report was received describing a possible fight occurring within the park grounds.
A sheriff's airship flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, deputies found that a crowd of several hundred had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by positioning themselves around the crowd and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing the assembled crowd to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to area medical facilities. Emergency physicians stated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and helped care for the injured prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have happened near the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified additional shell casings on Cottage Way. Round impacts were noted in the wrought iron fence surrounding the Home Depot store. The physical evidence showed that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the get more info south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications established that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Surveillance footage made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.