Sacramento authorities are probing a violent incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento while Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing an unauthorized event of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported regarding a possible fight breaking out at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Despite this, it became clear that a massive group had gathered more info without authorization without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and using their vehicle PA systems commanding attendees to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
When the dust settled, four victims were found to have been shot. All four — a group of one female and three male victims each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were taken to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one sustained moderate wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento arrived on scene and aided in treating the injured at the scene.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Detectives discovered extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the nearby Home Depot. This evidence suggested that one of the gunmen had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was put under lockdown as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.