Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento as deputies were dispersing an Howe Park Sacramento gunfire unauthorized event of multiple hundreds of people.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about the park shortly before 6:30 PM after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, additional information came in mentioning an alleged brawl breaking out within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, it became clear that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems directing the assembled crowd to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. Gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The victims — including a female and three males each apparently in their 20s — were rushed to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel reported that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire provided support and provided medical assistance the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident was determined to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators located more spent casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the Home Depot. This evidence confirmed that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Information
Information obtained over scanner radio traffic revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four suspects were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Surveillance footage made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.