Officials in Sacramento County are working a violent incident that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment authorities were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made concerning an alleged brawl happening at Howe Park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, it became clear that an enormous crowd had congregated at Howe Park in an unauthorized manner.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the crowd to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were spent for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition cut through the air. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Officers swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Four People Shot
Ultimately, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel indicated that two victims sustained immediate read more injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire arrived on scene and helped triage those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident was confirmed to have unfolded along the Cottage Way corridor next to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel identified extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot store. The physical evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic indicated that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in Solano County. Four individuals were stopped and detained. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video that was reviewed established that there were two gunmen.