Officials in Sacramento get more info County are looking into a violent incident that broke out late Saturday at Howe Park just as law enforcement were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about Howe Park around 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Not long after, another report was received concerning a possible physical fight unfolding near the park.
Air support flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Nevertheless, authorities discovered that an enormous crowd had come together at the location without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and announcing over their public address systems directing attendees to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers swiftly started looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four shooting victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. Those injured — including a female and three males all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to nearby hospitals. Medical personnel confirmed that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and helped care for the injured prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident appears to have taken place along Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators located extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were noted in the iron perimeter fence alongside the Home Depot store. These discoveries pointed to that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was secured under a brief lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications established that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed established that two individuals had fired weapons.