Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a violent incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Park while law enforcement were clearing Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation an unsanctioned gathering of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies first arrived at Howe Park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Soon after, additional information came in mentioning a potential altercation happening at Howe Park.
Aerial units searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was evident that a massive group had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems ordering the crowd to clear out. About 15 minutes were spent for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Officers quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four individuals were discovered with shooting injuries. The victims — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their 20s — were brought to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have unfolded on the Cottage Way side of the park close to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel identified more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Round impacts were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot store. These findings confirmed that a second shooter had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives continued working through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Information relayed via scanner audio revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two shooters had been involved.