Sacramento authorities are working a gunfire incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park just as officers were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Following that, additional information came in concerning a potential altercation breaking out within the park grounds.
Air support was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Regardless, it was evident that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems commanding attendees to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. The sudden gunfire caused mass panic. Deputies quickly moved to searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — including a female and three males all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and provided medical assistance the injured prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene seemed to have been concentrated near Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel recovered additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were discovered in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. These discoveries indicated that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was locked down while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received via scanner audio revealed that a Kia vehicle had been detained in the Solano County area. Four occupants were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up more info the four detainees to transport the detainees for investigation. Video that was reviewed revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.