Sacramento authorities are probing a gunfire incident that occurred on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park at the time authorities were breaking up an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue at about 6:30 PM after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a second call came in concerning an alleged brawl breaking out at the location.
A unauthorized gathering shooting Sacramento law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was evident that hundreds of people had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
The Shooting Itself
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing the hundreds present to clear out. Around 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
Altogether, four shooting victims were located with gunshot injuries. All four — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s at the time of the incident — were taken to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and provided medical assistance those who had been shot at the scene.
The Investigation
The center of the incident was believed to have been concentrated adjacent to Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators identified additional spent rounds on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the iron fence bordering the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that a shooter had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four suspects were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.