Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that erupted Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area just as authorities were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to the park at about 6:30 in the evening after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Following that, additional information came in about a reported physical confrontation occurring at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, authorities discovered that a crowd of several hundred had congregated at Howe Park without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers commanding attendees to leave immediately. Around 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and provided medical assistance the four victims on location.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting appears to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators discovered extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were identified in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives stayed check here at the location late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed over police scanner frequencies revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that there were two gunmen.