Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a shooting incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment officers were dispersing an unauthorized event of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first called to the park at about 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made describing a potential altercation happening inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had come together at the location without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing those gathered to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were spent for the crowd to leave.
Just as the crowd began to move that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Those Who Were Hit
Altogether, four individuals were found to have been shot. All four — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their 20s — were transported to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Emergency physicians confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and helped triage shooting victims at the park.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene appears to have occurred on Cottage Way near the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators discovered more spent casings on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot. These discoveries pointed to that at least one shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was temporarily locked down during the incident. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were detained. Law enforcement units read more were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video evidence made clear that there were two gunmen.