Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a violent incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park at the moment authorities were breaking up an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Prior to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first called to the park at about 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, a follow-up call was made about a potential altercation unfolding within the park grounds.
Air support conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements directing the crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds rang out. Gunfire caused mass panic. Responding personnel immediately began searching for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their 20s — were brought to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams stated that two were treated for Howe Park shooting Sacramento serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one person's injuries were considered minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department arrived on scene and aided in treating shooting victims prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel discovered more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence pointed to that at least one of the shooters had been sending rounds south from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications showed that a Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four individuals were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.