Howe Park Shooting Results in Four Victims Wounded in the Arden-Arcade Section of Sacramento County
Sacramento authorities are looking into a shooting that unfolded on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Not long after, a second caller reported about a potential altercation occurring at Howe Park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, authorities discovered that a massive group had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies worked to disperse the crowd by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements commanding those gathered to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds were discharged. The barrage of gunfire caused mass panic. Deputies quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males each reported to be in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical teams confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. According to authorities, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have been concentrated adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor alongside the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators found extra shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing surrounding the nearby Home Depot. This evidence showed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot. The store itself was placed on lockdown during the incident. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received over scanner radio traffic showed that a Kia was intercepted in nearby Solano County. Four people were in the vehicle at the time of the Cottage Way shooting Sacramento stop. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video evidence revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.