Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a gun read more violence incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Community Park at the time deputies were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially got calls about the park on Howe Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM after receiving reports of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, another report was received concerning a potential altercation occurring near the park.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, it became clear that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies set about removing people from the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public address systems ordering those gathered to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. Gunfire caused mass panic. Officers wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
Altogether, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — including a female and three males all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Hospital staff confirmed that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and helped care for those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators discovered extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet damage were discovered in the wrought iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that a second shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives kept processing evidence throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic showed that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four individuals were stopped and detained. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.