Officials in Sacramento County are probing a gunfire incident that occurred on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment authorities were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
How It Started
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Park around 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, additional information came in concerning a potential altercation taking place near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, deputies found that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the hundreds present to leave immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were provided more info for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The shots caused mass panic. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams reported that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and provided medical assistance the injured at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The primary shooting scene was confirmed to have taken place along the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators identified extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet damage were also found in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that a shooter had been sending rounds south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working for hours.
Suspect Information
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were held for questioning. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that two individuals had fired weapons.