Officials in Sacramento County are probing a shooting that broke out late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento as law enforcement were shutting down an unlawful assembly of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Following that, a second caller reported about an alleged brawl happening inside the park.
A sheriff's airship was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it became clear that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and using their vehicle PA systems instructing the assembled crowd to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were given for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies at once began finding those who had been shot.
Those Who Were Hit
In total, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. Those injured — including a female and three males all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and helped triage the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident was confirmed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives discovered more spent casings along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were noted in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a suspect Kia had been stopped in Solano County. Four occupants were detained. Law enforcement units were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring Cottage Way shooting Sacramento the suspects back for investigation. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.