Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gunfire incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Community Park as law enforcement were shutting down an unlawful assembly of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first called to Howe Park shortly before 6:30 PM after getting calls of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Soon after, a second call came in concerning a possible physical fight happening near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Even so, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Responding units Howe Park Sacramento gunfire moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers directing the crowd to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The shots caused mass panic. Deputies at once began locating gunshot victims.
The Shooting Victims
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. Those injured — a group of one female and three male victims all reportedly in their 20s — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical teams stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and helped triage those who had been shot at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was determined to have unfolded adjacent to Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators located extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were discovered in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot. This evidence showed that a second shooter had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was locked down while law enforcement worked the area. CSI investigators and detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies established that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were stopped and detained. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for investigation. Footage analyzed by investigators showed that two individuals had fired weapons.