Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a gun violence incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park while officers were dissolving a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 PM after being notified of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received describing a potential altercation taking place inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, authorities discovered that a massive group had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems instructing those gathered to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were discovered with shooting injuries. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their twenties — were taken to area medical facilities. Hospital staff confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. According to authorities, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene and helped triage the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have happened along the Cottage Way corridor next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators recovered additional shell casings on Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were also found in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence showed that a second shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly for hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through scanner monitoring confirmed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four detainees were detained. Sacramento Cottage Way shooting Sacramento law enforcement were dispatched to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Surveillance footage confirmed that there were two gunmen.