Sacramento County deputies are working a gunfire incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Park at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Park just after 6:30 in the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession check here of concealed weapons. Shortly after, another report was received describing a possible fight taking place at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, authorities discovered that a massive group had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Responding units set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and using their vehicle PA systems directing the assembled crowd to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were spent for the gathering to break up.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds rang out. The rapid succession of shots caused mass panic. Law enforcement at once began identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
When the dust settled, four individuals were found to have been shot. All four — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento arrived on scene and helped triage those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
The main crime scene appears to have happened on the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives discovered extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Ballistic damage were discovered in the iron fence surrounding the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence confirmed that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Suspect Information
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic confirmed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video that was reviewed made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.