Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gun violence incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park just as officers were shutting down an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to Howe Park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in regarding a reported physical confrontation occurring inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it became clear that a crowd of several hundred had packed into the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and issuing commands over loudspeakers directing the crowd to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers wasted no time in searching more info for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The victims — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Emergency physicians stated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and assisted with medical triage shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was believed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were observed in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic revealed that a suspect Kia was intercepted in the Solano County area. Four detainees were held for questioning. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to collect the individuals for investigation. Surveillance footage established that two individuals had fired weapons.