Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are investigating a gun violence incident that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area while law enforcement were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue around 6:30 PM after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, additional information came in describing a possible fight breaking out at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight more info report. Nevertheless, it became clear that hundreds of people had come together at the location without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing the crowd to go home. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
Just as the crowd began to move that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Deputies immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
When the dust settled, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Medical personnel confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and aided in treating those who had been shot at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was believed to have happened near Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators recovered extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were discovered in the iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. These findings pointed to that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was temporarily locked down as a precaution. Crime scene personnel kept processing evidence well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic established that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in the Solano County area. Four occupants were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators showed that two individuals had fired weapons.