Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting incident that took place Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the time authorities were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first dispatched to the park on Howe Avenue at about half past six in the evening after getting calls of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, another report was received describing an alleged brawl happening at the location.
Aerial units flew over check here the park but reported no active disturbance. However, it was evident that hundreds of people had gathered without authorization without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing the assembled crowd to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. Gunfire caused mass panic. Law enforcement immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Four People Shot
Altogether, four people were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Medical teams reported that two had critical injury classifications, one sustained moderate wounds, 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 care for those with gunshot wounds at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
The bulk of the shooting appears to have occurred near the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Crime scene investigators discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were observed in the wrought iron fence surrounding the Home Depot store. These findings showed that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Information obtained via scanner audio indicated that a Kia had been stopped in Solano County California. Four detainees were stopped and detained. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.