Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are investigating a gunfire incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Community Park at the time officers were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to the Arden-Arcade park shortly before 6:30 in the evening after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. After that, another report was received describing a reported physical confrontation occurring within the park grounds.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, it became clear that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing attendees to clear out. Roughly 15 minutes were spent for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Responding personnel quickly moved to searching for victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. All four — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their twenties — were brought to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed 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, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and assisted with medical triage the injured on location.
Evidence at the Scene
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have happened near the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were noted in the wrought iron fence alongside the Home Depot store. These findings indicated that a second shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. check here CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Arrests Made
Information obtained over scanner radio traffic confirmed that a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four individuals were held for questioning. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for further questioning. Surveillance footage confirmed that two shooters had been involved.