Sacramento authorities are looking into a gun violence incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Park while authorities were shutting down an unlawful assembly of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Community Park at about half past six in the evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Following that, a second call came in concerning a possible fight occurring near the park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, it became clear that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and making announcements ordering the assembled crowd to clear out. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. Gunfire caused mass panic. Officers swiftly started locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — a group of one female and three male victims each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical personnel confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one had injuries classified as minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento arrived on scene and helped triage those who had been shot at the park.
The Investigation
The Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation primary shooting scene appears to have happened adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives recovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were discovered in the metal fencing near the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence indicated that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown while the scene was active. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.