Sacramento County deputies are investigating a gun violence incident that erupted Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office first arrived at Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 PM after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Following that, a second call came in describing a reported physical confrontation unfolding at the location.
A sheriff's airship searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems directing the crowd to clear out. About 15 minutes were spent for the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies quickly moved to searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males all reportedly in their twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one had injuries classified as minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene and provided medical assistance shooting victims at the park.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of here the shooting appears to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet holes were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing bordering the Home Depot store. These discoveries indicated that at least one of the shooters had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information relayed via scanner audio confirmed that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in Solano County. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to pick up those detained for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.