Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment law enforcement were shutting down a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to Howe Park at approximately 6:30 PM after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. After that, a follow-up call was made concerning a reported physical confrontation taking place at Howe Park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, authorities discovered that a massive group had come together at the location without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers commanding the crowd to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. The victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their twenties — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. According to authorities, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento provided support and helped care for the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident was believed to have occurred on the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel located additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were also found in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot. These discoveries pointed to that a shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was put under lockdown as a precaution. CSI units alongside detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained through law enforcement more info radio communications confirmed that a Kia connected to the shooting was intercepted in Solano County California. Four individuals were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.