Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting incident that unfolded Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area at the time authorities were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Park around 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, a second caller reported about a possible physical fight unfolding within the park grounds.
A sheriff's airship scanned the area from the air but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, it was evident that hundreds of people had come together at the location without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems directing the crowd to vacate the area. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. The shots triggered a stampede. Officers wasted no time in searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department arrived on scene and aided in treating the four victims on location.
The Investigation
Most of the gunfire seemed to have happened on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. CSI personnel discovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were observed in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot. These findings indicated that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives kept processing evidence through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring established that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in Solano County. Four occupants were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were en route to collect those detained to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed click here showed that two individuals had fired weapons.