Sacramento authorities are examining a violent incident that erupted Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area while law enforcement were clearing a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies were first called to the park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Shortly after, a second call came in describing an alleged brawl taking place within the park grounds.
Air support searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, it was apparent that a massive group had come together at the location without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing those gathered to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their 20s — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Hospital staff noted that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped care for the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident appears to have taken place on the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators located extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the here Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that a shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working through the early morning hours.
Suspects Detained
Reports confirmed over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four people were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video evidence revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.