Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a gunfire incident that unfolded late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue at about 6:30 PM after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, a second call came in about an alleged brawl breaking out within the park grounds.
An overhead unit searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it was evident that hundreds of people had packed into the park in an unauthorized manner.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems commanding the hundreds present to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The rapid here succession of shots caused mass panic. Law enforcement wasted no time in searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four victims were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel indicated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire provided support and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene was believed to have occurred on Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives identified additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were identified in the iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. These findings suggested that at least one shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic showed that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.