Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are looking into a gun violence incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Park at the moment deputies were shutting down an unlawful assembly of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies first arrived at Howe Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, another report was received about an alleged brawl occurring inside the park.
Aerial units flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Nevertheless, deputies found that an enormous crowd had come together at the location without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems ordering the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Approximately 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel immediately began searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. All four — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their 20s — were taken to area medical facilities. Hospital staff indicated that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, each of the website four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped triage the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. CSI personnel found extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Projectile impacts were identified in the wrought iron fence alongside the nearby Home Depot. This evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down as a precaution. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia vehicle had been detained in nearby Solano County. Four suspects were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.