Sacramento authorities are probing a gun violence incident that occurred Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento as authorities were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park at about 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a second call came in concerning a possible fight unfolding inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, deputies found that a massive group had gathered without authorization without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public get more info address systems telling attendees to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. Gunfire caused mass panic. Responding personnel quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Those Who Were Hit
In total, four individuals were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were taken to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians indicated that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage the injured prior to hospital transport.
Evidence at the Scene
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have unfolded along the Cottage Way side of the park next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were noted in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that a second shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Suspects Detained
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four individuals were stopped and detained. Sacramento law enforcement were dispatched to Solano County to transport the detainees for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two shooters had been involved.