Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are examining a gun violence incident that broke out on the evening of April 18 at the Howe Community Park area just as law enforcement were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park just after 6:30 PM after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, additional information came in mentioning a possible physical fight happening inside the park.
An overhead unit conducted an aerial sweep but reported no active disturbance. However, deputies found that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by surrounding the park and making announcements ordering those gathered to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. The sudden gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies wasted no time in searching for victims.
Four People Shot
Altogether, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — consisting of one woman and three men all reportedly in their 20s — were brought to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the read more scene and helped triage those with gunshot wounds before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The center of the incident was confirmed to have happened along the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators discovered more spent casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were identified in the wrought iron fence alongside the Home Depot. These discoveries confirmed that a second shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel remained on scene late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.