Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are investigating a gunfire incident that broke out late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first called to the park on Howe Avenue around half past six in click here the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Soon after, another report was received about a possible physical fight unfolding near the park.
Aerial units searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without official sanction.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by surrounding the park and using their vehicle PA systems instructing the assembled crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. Gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were rushed to area medical facilities. Medical teams confirmed that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The center of the incident was believed to have occurred on Cottage Way near the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators discovered additional spent rounds on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were observed in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot. This evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene personnel continued working late into the evening.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring established that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in Solano County California. Four suspects were stopped and detained. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to transport the detainees for investigation. Video that was reviewed established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.