Sacramento authorities are working a shooting incident that erupted Saturday night April 18 at Howe check here Community Park just as officers were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Law enforcement first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue at approximately half past six in the evening after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, another report was received concerning an alleged brawl taking place at Howe Park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, it became clear that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems ordering those gathered to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were taken to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and aided in treating shooting victims at the scene.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene appears to have occurred on the Cottage Way corridor near the local Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators located additional shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were also found in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown during the incident. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video evidence established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.