Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are looking into a gunfire incident that took place Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park while deputies were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to Howe Park shortly before half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, another report was received describing an alleged brawl unfolding near the park.
Aerial units searched check here from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had assembled at the park in an unauthorized manner.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems telling those gathered to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allotted for individuals to vacate.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement swiftly started locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four gunshot victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men all reportedly in their 20s — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and provided medical assistance the four victims on location.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene was determined to have occurred near Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators recovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were identified in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. The store itself was placed on lockdown as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were taken into custody. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to collect the individuals for questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.