Sacramento authorities are investigating a violent incident that broke out late Saturday at Howe Community Park just as law enforcement were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Background
Deputies initially got calls about the park at about 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, a second caller reported describing a possible fight breaking out inside the park.
An overhead unit scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, authorities discovered that a massive group had come together at the location without permission.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies worked to disperse the crowd by surrounding the park and using their vehicle PA systems telling attendees to clear out. About 15 minutes were spent for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies at once began searching for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
In total, four people were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were brought to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Doctors and nurses indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and provided medical assistance shooting victims at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident appears to have unfolded adjacent to Cottage Way next to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators identified additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were discovered in the iron perimeter fence near the nearby Home Depot. This website ballistic evidence indicated that a shooter had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Information
Information relayed through scanner monitoring established that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Video that was reviewed established that two individuals had fired weapons.