Sacramento authorities are investigating a violent incident that broke out Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area just as authorities were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received mentioning a potential altercation breaking out within the park grounds.
Aerial units conducted an aerial sweep but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Regardless, it was apparent that hundreds of people had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Officers moved to clear the area by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering the assembled crowd to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds were fired. The shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical teams stated that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and aided in treating those with gunshot wounds at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
Most of the gunfire appears to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of here Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were observed in the iron perimeter fence alongside the Home Depot store. The physical evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two individuals had fired weapons.