Sacramento County deputies are examining a gunfire incident that occurred Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area just as deputies were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Law enforcement first arrived at Howe Park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Following that, a second call came in describing an alleged brawl taking place inside the park.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Regardless, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering attendees to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Responding personnel immediately began locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four individuals were found to have been shot. The four individuals — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and aided in treating shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene appears to have taken place near Howe Park Sacramento gunfire Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators identified additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were discovered in the iron fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries indicated that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The store itself was locked down during the incident. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications established that a vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in the Solano County area. Four people were held for questioning. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for further questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that two shooters had been involved.