Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gun violence incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento while Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies first arrived at the park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Following that, a second caller reported concerning a potential altercation occurring inside the park.
Aerial units was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Even so, it became clear that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Officers moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and making announcements commanding the crowd to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. Gunfire caused mass panic. Responding personnel quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have occurred near the Cottage Way corridor alongside the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Detectives recovered additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. This evidence suggested that a second shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was put under lockdown for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic indicated that a Kia vehicle had been detained in Solano County California. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were sent to retrieve the detainees website to collect the individuals for questioning. Surveillance footage confirmed that there were two gunmen.