Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a gun violence incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time officers were dissolving an unauthorized event of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to Howe Park just after 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, another report was received about a possible physical fight unfolding at Howe Park.
An overhead unit was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Nevertheless, it was evident that several hundred individuals had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allotted for the crowd to leave.
Just as the crowd began to move that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies wasted no time in locating gunshot victims.
Four People Shot
When the dust settled, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — a group of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District also responded and aided in treating shooting victims at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene was confirmed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives identified additional shell casings on Cottage Way. Round impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence near the Home Depot. These findings showed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was locked down during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence for hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received via scanner audio indicated that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Law enforcement units were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video reviewed Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation at the scene confirmed that two shooters had been involved.