Law enforcement in Sacramento are looking into a gunfire incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park at the moment deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue at about 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, additional information came in about a possible fight unfolding at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but reported no active disturbance. Even so, it was evident that a massive group had packed into the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Shooting Itself
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by encircling the gathering and making announcements directing the crowd to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots were fired. The barrage of gunfire caused mass panic. Officers swiftly started looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four individuals were found to have been shot. All four — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were brought to Howe Park Sacramento gunfire local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff noted that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento provided support and helped triage those who had been shot at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident appears to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found additional shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Ballistic damage were identified in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence pointed to that a shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives continued working through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in Solano County. Four people were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Law enforcement units were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.