Sacramento County deputies are probing a gun violence incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue around 6:30 in the evening after receiving reports of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. After that, another report was received describing a potential altercation taking place at the location.
Air support flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was apparent that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves get more info around the crowd and making announcements commanding attendees to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel swiftly started locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Ultimately, four victims were found to have been shot. All four — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel confirmed 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 in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped triage those with gunshot wounds at the park.
What Investigators Found
The primary shooting scene was believed to have been concentrated along Cottage Way alongside the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives discovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Round impacts were observed in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the Home Depot store. These discoveries showed that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was put under lockdown as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene for hours.
Arrests Made
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four people were detained. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed showed that there were two gunmen.