Sacramento County deputies are working a shooting incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first called to the Arden-Arcade park at approximately half past six in the evening after being notified of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, a second caller reported describing a possible fight breaking out near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it became clear that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Officers set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and making announcements directing attendees to go home. Around 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. Gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four people more info were confirmed as gunshot victims. All four — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their 20s — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. According to authorities, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and aided in treating shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was confirmed to have taken place along Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Round impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot store. These findings indicated that a shooter had been sending rounds south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was locked down while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed via scanner audio confirmed that a suspect Kia had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Surveillance footage showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.