Sacramento authorities are examining a violent incident that unfolded late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made describing a possible fight breaking out inside the park.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Nevertheless, deputies found that a crowd of several hundred had congregated at Howe Park without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling those gathered to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel swiftly started locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Ultimately, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Hospital staff indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. According to authorities, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and helped care for the injured on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident was believed to have been concentrated along Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot on check here the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel located additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were also found in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a second shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four individuals were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Video evidence made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.