Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area as authorities were dissolving an unlawful assembly of an estimated several hundred individuals.
How It Started
Deputies were first dispatched to Howe Community Park shortly before 6:30 PM after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, additional information came in describing a possible physical fight taking place at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had packed into the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units worked to disperse the crowd by positioning themselves around the crowd and announcing over their public address systems directing the hundreds present to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all more info directions. Law enforcement quickly moved to looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four individuals were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their 20s — were transported to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and helped triage those who had been shot on location.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was confirmed to have unfolded along the Cottage Way corridor alongside the local Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators discovered extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the metal fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. This evidence showed that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown as a precaution. Crime scene personnel kept processing evidence throughout the night.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received via scanner audio indicated that a Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed confirmed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.