Sacramento authorities are investigating a gunfire incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento just as officers were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue at approximately half past six in the evening after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. After that, another report was received about a possible physical fight unfolding within the park grounds.
Aerial units was sent to survey the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that a crowd of several hundred had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies set about removing people from the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public address systems instructing attendees to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were provided for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots caused mass panic. Responding personnel swiftly started searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical teams reported that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and aided in treating those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident was confirmed to have happened adjacent to Cottage Way alongside the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators recovered more spent casings scattered along more info Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the wrought iron fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. These findings indicated that at least one shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in Solano County California. Four detainees were taken into custody. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Video evidence established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.