Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Park while deputies were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Background
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office first arrived at Howe Community Park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made describing an alleged brawl breaking out near the park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had assembled at the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and making announcements instructing the hundreds present to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies at once began identifying shooting victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four people were found to have been shot. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses 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.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage the injured on location.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene was believed to have occurred on the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators found additional shell casings on Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were discovered in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. These discoveries indicated that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia connected here to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to pick up those detained for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.