Sacramento County deputies are working a shooting that erupted on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unlawful assembly of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement initially got calls about Howe Park just after 6:30 PM after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Following that, a follow-up call was made about an alleged brawl breaking out at the location.
Aerial units flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had come together at the location without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units began the process of clearing the park by surrounding the park and making announcements directing attendees to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The shots caused mass panic. Responding personnel quickly moved to looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
By the time the scene was secured, four people were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their 20s — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical teams indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and helped care for those with gunshot wounds at the scene.
What Investigators Found
The main crime scene appears to have unfolded near Cottage Way alongside the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were identified in the metal fencing surrounding the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence showed that one of the gunmen had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was locked down while more info law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed via scanner audio indicated that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for investigation. Footage analyzed by investigators revealed that two shooters had been involved.