Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a shooting incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Park as authorities were clearing an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to the park shortly before half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported about a possible physical fight breaking out within the park grounds.
Air support was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization read more without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements telling attendees to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition echoed through the night. Gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Four People Shot
By the time the scene was secured, four people were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — including a female and three males each reported to be in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped care for shooting victims on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was confirmed to have unfolded on Cottage Way close to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel identified more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Round impacts were noted in the iron fence surrounding the Home Depot. These discoveries suggested that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received via scanner audio showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four suspects were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for further questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.