Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a shooting that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park as law enforcement were clearing an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at the park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received describing a reported physical confrontation taking place inside the park.
A sheriff's airship searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by encircling the gathering and making announcements directing the crowd to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies at once began locating gunshot victims.
Those Who Were Hit
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — including a female and three males all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to area medical facilities. Medical personnel reported that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one person's injuries were considered minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento arrived on scene and assisted with medical triage shooting victims at the scene.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene was determined to have happened along the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Round impacts were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot. These findings pointed to that a second shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was locked down during the incident. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Arrests Made
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic showed that a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four individuals were in the here vehicle at the time of the stop. Sheriff's units were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video that was reviewed revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.