Sacramento County deputies are working a gunfire incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Community Park at the time authorities were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first called to Howe Park shortly before half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported concerning a possible physical fight breaking out at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling attendees to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were spent for get more info the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel at once began identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four individuals were found to have been shot. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses noted that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District also responded and helped triage shooting victims on location.
Physical Evidence
The center of the incident seemed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators located extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were observed in the wrought iron fence bordering the Home Depot. These findings indicated that a shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives continued working for hours.
Suspects Detained
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic indicated that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in an area within Solano County. Four people were detained. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.