Sacramento authorities are investigating a shooting incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park while Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing a large unsanctioned party website of hundreds of attendees.
How It Started
Deputies first arrived at the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. After that, a second caller reported concerning a possible fight happening at Howe Park.
Air support flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without authorization.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling the crowd to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. Gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — comprising three men and one woman ranging in age through their in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and helped triage the injured at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting appears to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park close to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators found additional shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet damage were observed in the iron fence alongside the nearby Home Depot. These findings suggested that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained over scanner radio traffic indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four suspects were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for further questioning. Video evidence showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.