Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a shooting incident that broke out Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento as officers were clearing a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
Background
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Community Park around 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, a second caller reported concerning a potential altercation taking place at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems telling the hundreds present to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were allotted for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Officers quickly moved to looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The victims — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Hospital staff confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and assisted with medical triage shooting victims on location.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have taken place along Cottage Way adjacent to the local Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were noted in the iron fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that a second shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Information
Information obtained via scanner audio revealed that a Kia vehicle was intercepted in Solano County. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento law enforcement were Howe Park shooting Sacramento en route to collect those detained to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators revealed that two shooters had been involved.