Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a gunfire incident that broke out Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area just as deputies were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
Prior to the Shooting
Law enforcement initially responded to the park at about half past six in the evening after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made about an alleged brawl unfolding near the park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems commanding attendees to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for people to comply.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies immediately began looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — including a female and three males all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses reported that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and helped triage those with gunshot wounds on location.
The Investigation
The main crime scene was believed to have happened along the Cottage Way corridor alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators get more info located additional shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot. The physical evidence showed that at least one shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was temporarily locked down as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic revealed that a suspect Kia had been detained in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were traveling to Solano County to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Surveillance footage showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.