Sacramento authorities are probing a gun violence incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at the Howe Community Park area just as deputies were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at Howe Community Park just after half past six in the evening after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported concerning a possible physical fight taking place within the park grounds.
Aerial units conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had packed into the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Shooting Itself
Responding units moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and making announcements telling attendees to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots caused unauthorized gathering shooting Sacramento mass panic. Law enforcement swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their twenties — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Hospital staff stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and assisted with medical triage the injured at the park.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators discovered more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence showed that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received over scanner radio traffic showed that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in the Solano County area. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Video evidence confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.