Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gun violence incident that occurred on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park as authorities were dispersing an unlawful assembly of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies initially responded to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made concerning a possible fight breaking out at the location.
An overhead unit flew over the park but reported no active disturbance. Even so, deputies found that a massive group had come together at the location without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements telling those gathered to go home. About 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The sudden gunfire caused mass panic. Responding personnel swiftly started finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
Ultimately, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The shooting victims — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento fire crews assisted at website the location and helped care for those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have occurred adjacent to Cottage Way alongside the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were also found in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence suggested that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The store itself was placed on lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel continued working through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia connected to the shooting was intercepted in Solano County California. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for investigation. Video that was reviewed made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.