Officials in Sacramento County are probing a violent incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Community Park just as law enforcement were breaking up an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Background
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Park around half past six in the get more info evening after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, a follow-up call was made mentioning a possible fight unfolding at Howe Park.
An overhead unit was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Even so, deputies found that a massive group had assembled at the park without permission.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Law enforcement personnel moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing the hundreds present to go home. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. The rapid succession of shots triggered a stampede. Officers quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. All four — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their 20s — were taken to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical teams reported that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire provided support and provided medical assistance those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting was confirmed to have happened near Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators found extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were observed in the metal fencing near the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence confirmed that one of the gunmen had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a suspect Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four suspects were stopped and detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed showed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.