Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a violent incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento as officers website were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to the Arden-Arcade park at about 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Following that, a follow-up call was made describing an alleged brawl unfolding within the park grounds.
Air support conducted an aerial sweep but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing the assembled crowd to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers at once began identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their 20s — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. Thankfully, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene seemed to have been concentrated on Cottage Way next to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators discovered additional spent rounds on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing surrounding the Home Depot store. The physical evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic established that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four people were stopped and detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Video that was reviewed revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.