Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a shooting incident that occurred on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park just as Sacramento here County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of several hundred people.
Background
Deputies first arrived at Howe Park at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. After that, a second call came in about a reported physical confrontation occurring within the park grounds.
Aerial units searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was evident that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering the crowd to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for the crowd to leave.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement quickly moved to searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were brought to nearby hospitals. Medical teams stated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and helped triage the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor alongside the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators discovered additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. These findings confirmed that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. CSI units alongside detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic indicated that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to collect the individuals for questioning. Video evidence made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.