Officials in Sacramento County are probing a violent incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park as law enforcement were shutting down a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies were first dispatched to Howe Park at approximately half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made about a possible fight occurring at Howe Park.
An overhead unit scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had assembled at the park in an unauthorized read more manner.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. The shots caused mass panic. Deputies quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males all believed to be in their 20s — were taken to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. According to authorities, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were called to the scene and helped care for those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene seemed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators located additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence pointed to that at least one shooter had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was put under lockdown during the incident. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working for hours.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four detainees were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were en route to collect those detained to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Surveillance footage showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.