Officials in Sacramento County are examining a shooting that occurred Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing an unlawful assembly of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Following that, a follow-up call was made about a reported physical confrontation happening within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, it was evident that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Responding units worked to disperse the crowd by positioning themselves around the crowd and issuing commands over loudspeakers commanding attendees to clear out. Around 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The barrage of gunfire caused mass panic. Responding personnel swiftly started searching for victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. All four — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to nearby hospitals. Medical personnel indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident appears to have taken place along the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were also found in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot. These findings indicated that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was locked down while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received via scanner audio revealed that a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four occupants were in the Cottage Way shooting Sacramento vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento law enforcement were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed established that two shooters had been involved.