Sacramento County deputies are working a gunfire incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue at about half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, a follow-up call was made concerning a reported physical confrontation occurring at Howe Park.
Aerial units searched from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, deputies found that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by encircling the gathering and announcing over their public address systems directing those gathered to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The rapid succession of shots caused mass panic. Deputies at once began finding get more info those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and provided medical assistance those who had been shot at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident appears to have happened on Cottage Way next to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Ballistic damage were discovered in the metal fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence indicated that a second shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Details gathered via scanner audio revealed that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.