Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gun violence incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Community Park at the time deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to Howe Community Park at about half past six in the evening after receiving reports of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made regarding a possible physical fight occurring inside the park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that hundreds of people had come together at the location without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements directing the hundreds present to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots caused mass panic. Officers at once began looking for those injured.
Four People Shot
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Emergency physicians stated that two had critical injury classifications, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento Metro Fire arrived on scene and helped triage those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The center of the incident seemed to have taken place near the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel found additional shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Projectile impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. The physical evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Information relayed via scanner audio established that a suspect Kia had been detained in nearby Solano read more County. Four occupants were detained. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two individuals had fired weapons.