Sacramento authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area just as law enforcement were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, another report was received about a possible physical fight breaking out at the location.
A get more info sheriff's airship flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park without authorization.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing those gathered to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were allowed for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Law enforcement immediately began looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four individuals were found to have been shot. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were taken to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department assisted at the location and helped triage the four victims at the scene.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting appears to have taken place on Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel identified extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron fence alongside the nearby Home Depot. This evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working for hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Reports confirmed via scanner audio revealed that a Kia had been detained in nearby Solano County. Four suspects were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for questioning. Surveillance footage made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.