Sacramento authorities are examining a gun violence incident that took place Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area as law enforcement were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially responded to Howe Park just after 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported mentioning an alleged brawl breaking out near the park.
Air support conducted an aerial sweep but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was apparent that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering those gathered to go home. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
It was read more during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. Gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies at once began finding those who had been shot.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and provided medical assistance shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have occurred on the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators discovered more spent casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were noted in the wrought iron perimeter fencing surrounding the Home Depot store. These discoveries suggested that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives kept processing evidence late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Information relayed through scanner monitoring established that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring the suspects back for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.