Sacramento County deputies are examining a shooting that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park just as authorities were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue at about half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made concerning a possible fight occurring at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization in an unauthorized manner.
When the Shots Rang Out
Responding units began the process of clearing the park by surrounding the park and using their vehicle PA systems ordering attendees to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their 20s — were transported to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Hospital staff confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and aided in treating the injured at the scene.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting appears to have happened on the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators discovered more spent casings on Cottage Way. Round impacts were also found in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic showed that a check here vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in an area within Solano County. Four people were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators revealed that two shooters had been involved.