Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a shooting incident that erupted late Saturday at Howe Community Park as officers were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Background
Deputies first arrived at Howe Park at about 6:30 in the evening after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, a second call came in describing a possible physical fight unfolding near the park.
Aerial units conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had gathered without authorization without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter read more and making announcements instructing the crowd to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire triggered a stampede. Law enforcement swiftly started searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams stated that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and helped care for the four victims on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
Most of the gunfire seemed to have unfolded near the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators located more spent casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were observed in the metal fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that one of the gunmen had been aiming south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was put under lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives continued working through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in the Solano County area. Four people were stopped and detained. Law enforcement units were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for questioning. Video that was reviewed revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.