Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a gun violence incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park while authorities were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the here Gunfire
Law enforcement were first called to Howe Community Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received describing a potential altercation occurring near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies immediately began locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four people were found to have been shot. The victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Medical teams stated that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and aided in treating those with gunshot wounds on location.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident appears to have taken place adjacent to Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the nearby Home Depot. These findings confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown during the incident. CSI investigators and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received via scanner audio established that a 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 collect the individuals for questioning. Surveillance footage showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.