Sacramento County deputies are investigating a gun violence incident that took place Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park as authorities were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.

Background

Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first called to Howe Park around 6:30 PM after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, a follow-up call was made mentioning a potential altercation occurring at Howe Park.

Aerial units flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it became clear that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park without permission.

The Moment Gunfire Erupted

Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers directing the crowd to go home. About 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.

As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Law enforcement wasted no time in looking for those injured.

Four Gunshot Victims

Altogether, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. The victims — a group of one female and three male victims all reportedly in their mid to late twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams indicated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department provided support and helped triage those with gunshot wounds at the park.

Crime Scene Evidence

The primary shooting scene appears to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators found additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were noted in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot store. These discoveries showed that one of the gunmen had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Home Depot Sacramento shooting Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was locked down while the scene was active. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location well into the night.

Arrests Made

Information relayed over scanner radio traffic established that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four people were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that two shooters had been involved.