Sacramento County deputies are probing a shooting that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at Howe Park at about 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received concerning a reported physical confrontation taking place at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, authorities discovered that a crowd of several hundred had gathered without authorization without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and making announcements ordering the more info assembled crowd to disperse at once. Roughly 15 minutes were spent for the gathering to break up.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The shots caused mass panic. Deputies quickly moved to looking for those injured.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four people were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and provided medical assistance shooting victims at the park.
Physical Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have occurred near the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were discovered in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot. These discoveries showed that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was locked down for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly for hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in the Solano County area. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video evidence revealed that two individuals had fired weapons.