Officials in Sacramento County are examining a shooting that took place on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area just as authorities were clearing a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at the Arden-Arcade park just after 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, a second call came in about a possible fight taking place at Howe Park.
Aerial units was sent to more info survey the area but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, deputies found that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and using their vehicle PA systems directing attendees to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies at once began looking for those injured.
Four People Shot
Altogether, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The victims — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and helped triage those with gunshot wounds on location.
The Investigation
The center of the incident was believed to have been concentrated adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were observed in the wrought iron fence surrounding the Home Depot store. This evidence confirmed that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene well into the night.
Suspect Information
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic showed that a Kia vehicle was intercepted in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two individuals had fired weapons.