Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are looking into a violent incident that broke out Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area as officers were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially responded to the Arden-Arcade park at about 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in describing a possible physical fight taking place within the park grounds.
A sheriff's airship was sent to survey the area but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, it became clear that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Officers moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and using their vehicle PA systems telling the assembled crowd to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel at once began finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four individuals were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were brought to local Sacramento hospitals. Emergency physicians noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District also responded and helped triage the injured prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was believed to have been concentrated adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park close to the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators discovered additional spent rounds on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were observed in the metal fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was locked down for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Arrests Made
Reports confirmed through scanner monitoring showed that a Kia vehicle had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four individuals were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for processing in Sacramento County. Video that was reviewed revealed that there were two gunmen.