Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gun violence incident that occurred Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies initially got calls about Howe Community Park around half past six in the evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, a follow-up call was made regarding a reported physical confrontation unfolding inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, it was apparent that hundreds of people had assembled at the park without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the hundreds present to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were given for the crowd to leave.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The rapid succession of shots triggered a stampede. Law enforcement at once began locating gunshot victims.
Four People Shot
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were found to have been shot. All four — including a female and three males each reported to be in their 20s — were rushed to Sacramento area more info hospitals. Medical teams noted that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. In a positive development, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department arrived on scene and aided in treating the injured on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
The primary shooting scene was believed to have happened on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were discovered in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence pointed to that a shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Details gathered via scanner audio indicated that a Kia had been stopped in Solano County. Four occupants were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two individuals had fired weapons.