Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment authorities were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Background
Deputies were first called to the park shortly before half past six in the evening after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a second caller reported about a possible fight occurring at Howe Park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Nevertheless, authorities discovered that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems telling the crowd to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were Howe Park Sacramento gunfire spent for individuals to vacate.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two had critical injury classifications, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and helped triage shooting victims on location.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene seemed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators identified extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were also found in the iron perimeter fence bordering the nearby Home Depot. These findings confirmed that a shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Reports confirmed over police scanner frequencies established that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four occupants were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two individuals had fired weapons.