Sacramento authorities are probing a shooting that occurred late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area at the moment officers were shutting down an unlawful assembly of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from read more the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office first arrived at Howe Park just after 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Following that, another report was received mentioning a reported physical confrontation breaking out inside the park.
Air support conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, it was evident that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and making announcements commanding the assembled crowd to clear out. About 15 minutes were spent for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Officers at once began looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
By the time the scene was secured, four people were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — a group of one female and three male victims all believed to be in their twenties — were brought to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage the four victims at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was believed to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park close to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were identified in the wrought iron fence surrounding the Home Depot store. The physical evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in Solano County. Four individuals were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to collect the individuals for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two individuals had fired weapons.