Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento just as deputies were breaking up an unlawful assembly of a crowd of several hundred.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at Howe Park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, another report was received concerning an alleged brawl unfolding within the park grounds.
Aerial units was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Nevertheless, it became website clear that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements ordering attendees to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement quickly moved to looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were transported to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical teams confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident seemed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators recovered additional shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the nearby Home Depot. This evidence suggested that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location throughout the night.
Suspects Detained
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic revealed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four detainees were detained. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators made clear that two shooters had been involved.