Sacramento County deputies are working a shooting incident that occurred Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
Background
Deputies initially responded to Howe Community Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, a follow-up call was made regarding a possible fight taking place at the location.
Aerial units flew over the park but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, it was apparent that hundreds of people had read more gathered without authorization in an unauthorized manner.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems telling attendees to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were given for the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies swiftly started searching for victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Ultimately, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their twenties — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. According to authorities, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The main crime scene was believed to have unfolded near Cottage Way near the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators identified more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were also found in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four people were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Surveillance footage made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.