Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a violent incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time authorities were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Background
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to Howe Park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received describing a possible physical fight happening inside the park.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Despite this, it was evident that hundreds of people had assembled at the park in an unauthorized manner.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and announcing over their public address systems commanding attendees to disperse at once. About 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. Gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Officers wasted no time in looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
Altogether, four people were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their twenties — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and helped care for the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
Most of the gunfire appears to have taken place near the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot store. The physical evidence suggested that one of the gunmen had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The store itself was secured under a brief lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel continued working well into the night.
Suspect Information
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Sacramento law more info enforcement were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for investigation. Video evidence showed that there were two gunmen.