Sacramento County deputies are probing a shooting that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento while authorities were clearing an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
Background
Deputies initially responded to Howe Community Park at about 6:30 in the evening after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Not long after, a follow-up call was made regarding a potential altercation taking place at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship was Howe Park Sacramento gunfire sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Nevertheless, it was evident that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without permission.
The Shooting Itself
Officers worked to disperse the crowd by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems instructing the crowd to vacate the area. Approximately 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
By the time the scene was secured, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. The victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and aided in treating those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene seemed to have occurred near the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators recovered extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot. The physical evidence suggested that at least one shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was temporarily locked down for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives kept processing evidence for hours.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four suspects were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that two shooters had been involved.