Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gun violence incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento while officers were dispersing an unlawful assembly of multiple hundreds of people.
How It Started
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Park just after 6:30 PM after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, another report was received describing a possible fight occurring near the park.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Even so, it was evident that an enormous crowd had congregated at Howe Park without authorization.
The Shooting Itself
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies moved to clear the area by surrounding the park and making announcements ordering the hundreds present to leave immediately. Around 15 minutes were spent for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. Gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement wasted no time in looking for those injured.
Four People Shot
In total, four shooting victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Medical teams noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and provided medical assistance the injured at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire seemed to have happened near Cottage Way alongside the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators identified extra read more shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were noted in the iron perimeter fence near the Home Depot. This evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel remained on scene well into the night.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received over scanner radio traffic revealed that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in Solano County. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.