Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a gunfire incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time officers were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, a second call came in concerning a reported physical confrontation happening at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
The Shooting Itself
Officers worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing the crowd to leave immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. Gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers wasted no time in locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to area medical facilities. Emergency physicians confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and provided medical assistance the injured on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
Most of the gunfire was determined to have occurred near Cottage Way next to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Crime scene investigators discovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage Howe Park shooting Sacramento were also found in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. These discoveries suggested that one of the gunmen had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a suspect Kia was pulled over in Solano County. Four people were stopped and detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.