Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to Howe Community Park at about 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, another report was received mentioning a possible physical fight happening at the location.
Air support scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems ordering the hundreds present to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition echoed through the night. The check here shots caused mass panic. Officers immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Four People Shot
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their 20s — were transported to area medical facilities. Hospital staff reported that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and helped care for those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
The main crime scene seemed to have taken place along Cottage Way near the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators discovered additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were observed in the metal fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. These findings indicated that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Information obtained via scanner audio showed that a Kia connected to the shooting was pulled over in Solano County California. Four suspects were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for further questioning. Surveillance footage confirmed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.