Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a gunfire incident that erupted on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area at the time authorities were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, a second call came in concerning a reported physical confrontation breaking out at Howe Park.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, deputies found that a massive group had come together at the location without official sanction.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies set about removing people from the park by encircling the gathering and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing those gathered to go home. Around 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement swiftly started looking for those injured.
The Shooting unauthorized gathering shooting Sacramento Victims
Altogether, four shooting victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage the four victims at the park.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were also found in the iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies revealed that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video evidence revealed that there were two gunmen.