Sacramento County deputies are probing a shooting that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment deputies were clearing an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park around half past six in the evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in describing a reported physical confrontation occurring at Howe Park.
Air support scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was evident that a massive group had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public address systems telling the hundreds present to leave immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
At the height of the dispersal effort that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies wasted no time in looking for those injured.
Those Who Were Hit
Ultimately, four people were found to have been shot. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two were treated for serious injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one suffered minor injuries. Home Depot Sacramento shooting Thankfully, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and helped care for the four victims prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have occurred near the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators found additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Projectile impacts were noted in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries indicated that one of the gunmen had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Suspect Information
Details gathered through scanner monitoring established that a Kia vehicle was intercepted in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video evidence established that there were two gunmen.