Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a gunfire incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment law enforcement were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about Howe Community Park just after 6:30 Saturday evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Following that, a follow-up call was made mentioning a possible physical fight unfolding within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, it was apparent that hundreds of people had gathered without authorization in an unauthorized manner.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by encircling the gathering click here and making announcements telling the hundreds present to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The shots triggered a stampede. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each apparently in their twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento provided support and aided in treating the four victims prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene was confirmed to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor alongside the Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives identified more spent casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot store. This evidence suggested that one of the gunmen had been aiming south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Reports confirmed via scanner audio revealed that a suspect Kia was intercepted in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were detained. Sheriff's units were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for questioning. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.