Sacramento authorities are probing a violent incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento as officers were clearing a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, additional information came in about a reported physical confrontation unfolding at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Nevertheless, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems ordering the assembled crowd to go home. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. Gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies immediately began locating gunshot victims.
Four People Shot
Ultimately, four gunshot victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. Those injured — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were brought to local Sacramento hospitals. Emergency physicians stated that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, 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 prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The center of the incident seemed to have been concentrated on Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators identified more spent casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. The physical evidence pointed to website that at least one of the shooters had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was locked down as a precaution. Crime scene personnel remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received via scanner audio revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in an area within Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were dispatched to Solano County to transport the detainees for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed established that two separate shooters participated in the incident.