Sacramento authorities are probing a shooting incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at the Howe Community Park area just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, additional information came in mentioning a possible physical fight taking place within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Regardless, it was evident that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without permission.
The Shooting Itself
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling the crowd to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were allotted for individuals to vacate.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers wasted no time in finding those read more who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four victims were found to have been shot. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Hospital staff stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and assisted with medical triage the injured on location.
Physical Evidence
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. CSI personnel recovered more spent casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the metal fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. This evidence confirmed that one of the gunmen had been sending rounds south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. CSI units alongside detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic confirmed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video evidence showed that two shooters had been involved.