Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a violent incident that broke out late Saturday at Howe Community Park while Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement initially got calls about Howe Park just after 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Not long after, additional information came in about a possible physical fight taking place inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Despite this, authorities discovered that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park in an unauthorized manner.
The Shooting Itself
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing attendees to clear out. Around 15 minutes were allotted for the gathering to break up.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies at once began looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — a group of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one person Home Depot Sacramento shooting had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene was believed to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Crime scene investigators found additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Round impacts were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence suggested that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. CSI units alongside detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four occupants were taken into custody. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Video evidence made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.