Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a shooting incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time authorities were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement initially responded to Howe Park around 6:30 in the evening after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a second caller reported describing a potential altercation breaking out at Howe Park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Nevertheless, it was evident that a massive group had come together at the location without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems commanding the hundreds present to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots were fired. The sudden gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies wasted no time in searching for victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff indicated that two of the four had injuries classified read more as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and aided in treating the four victims prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene appears to have been concentrated along the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were observed in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This evidence showed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown during the incident. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications showed that a suspect Kia had been detained in the Solano County area. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that there were two gunmen.