Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park as officers were dispersing an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially responded to Howe Community Park just after 6:30 PM after learning of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, a follow-up call was made about a possible physical fight breaking out at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and making announcements directing those gathered to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. The rapid succession website of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Officers swiftly started searching for victims.
Four People Shot
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Emergency physicians reported that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and helped care for the four victims on location.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have unfolded on the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were noted in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot. These findings showed that a second shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies indicated that a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four detainees were stopped and detained. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.