Sacramento authorities are examining a gun violence incident that unfolded late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area at the moment law enforcement were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement initially got calls about the park on Howe Avenue at about 6:30 PM after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, a second call came in mentioning a possible physical fight taking place at the location.
Air support searched from above but could not confirm Howe Park shooting Sacramento any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, it was evident that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization in an unauthorized manner.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies wasted no time in finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews arrived on scene and helped care for the four victims at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting appears to have been concentrated adjacent to Cottage Way next to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators discovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were also found in the metal fencing bordering the Home Depot store. The physical evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. CSI investigators and detectives remained on scene well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received via scanner audio established that a Kia was intercepted in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were detained. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that there were two gunmen.