Officials in Sacramento County are working a shooting incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue around 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, a second caller reported describing a possible check here physical fight happening at the location.
Air support scanned the area from the air but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, it was evident that an enormous crowd had come together at the location without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems instructing those gathered to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Responding personnel immediately began looking for those injured.
Four People Shot
Ultimately, four victims were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their twenties — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical teams reported that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and helped care for shooting victims at the scene.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have taken place near Cottage Way near the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators discovered additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Ballistic damage were also found in the iron fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information relayed via scanner audio indicated that a suspect Kia was intercepted in Solano County California. Four detainees were stopped and detained. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for questioning. Video evidence made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.