Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are probing a shooting incident that unfolded on website the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area just as authorities were clearing an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies were first dispatched to Howe Park around 6:30 PM after getting calls of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, a second call came in regarding a possible fight breaking out near the park.
A sheriff's airship searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Regardless, it was evident that hundreds of people had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Shooting Itself
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing the hundreds present to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Officers swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The victims — a group of one female and three male victims ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were brought to nearby hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento Metro Fire arrived on scene and aided in treating shooting victims on location.
The Investigation
The main crime scene was believed to have unfolded on Cottage Way alongside the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators recovered additional shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were observed in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot. These discoveries pointed to that one of the gunmen had been firing southward from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies revealed that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in Solano County. Four detainees were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Surveillance footage made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.