Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gunfire incident that unfolded late Saturday at Howe Community Park while deputies were dissolving an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
How It Started
Deputies first arrived at the park on Howe Avenue shortly before 6:30 in the evening after learning of subjects reportedly click here carrying hidden weapons. After that, another report was received regarding an alleged brawl taking place at Howe Park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Regardless, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers commanding those gathered to clear out. About 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in locating gunshot victims.
Those Who Were Hit
In total, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were transported to nearby hospitals. Emergency physicians stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department assisted at the location and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators located more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot. These findings suggested that one of the gunmen had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications showed that a Kia vehicle was intercepted in Solano County. Four detainees were detained. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Video evidence established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.