Sacramento authorities are examining a violent incident that occurred Saturday evening at Howe Park at the moment deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies Howe Park shooting Sacramento first arrived at the park shortly before half past six in the evening after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made regarding a possible fight taking place inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Regardless, it became clear that a massive group had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
The Shooting Itself
Responding units worked to disperse the crowd by encircling the gathering and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing the crowd to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were given for the crowd to leave.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four individuals were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — a group of one female and three male victims all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire arrived on scene and helped care for shooting victims prior to hospital transport.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene appears to have unfolded near Cottage Way next to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators discovered additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were discovered in the wrought iron fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. This evidence suggested that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Details gathered via scanner audio confirmed that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in an area within Solano County. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for further questioning. Video evidence established that there were two gunmen.