Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a gunfire incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area while law enforcement were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led check here to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement initially responded to the park at approximately half past six in the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported mentioning a possible fight occurring at the location.
Aerial units conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Regardless, it was apparent that a massive group had assembled at the park without authorization.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and making announcements directing the hundreds present to clear out. About 15 minutes were allotted for the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies immediately began locating gunshot victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were taken to area medical facilities. Emergency physicians noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and helped triage the injured prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident seemed to have been concentrated along the Cottage Way corridor near the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence pointed to that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel remained on scene late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in the Solano County area. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to collect the individuals for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.