Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Community Park at the moment authorities were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at the Arden-Arcade park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, additional information came in describing a possible fight breaking out at the location.
An overhead unit searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public address systems commanding the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for attendees to disperse.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel immediately began searching for victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. get more info Medical teams indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and helped care for those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have unfolded adjacent to Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were observed in the metal fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. The physical evidence indicated that one of the gunmen had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was locked down as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working for hours.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over scanner radio traffic revealed that a suspect Kia was pulled over in the Solano County area. Four suspects were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Surveillance footage revealed that there were two gunmen.