Gunfire Erupts at Howe Park Leaves 4 Shot in Sacramento County's Arden-Arcade Neighborhood
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are examining a gunfire incident that unfolded Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area just as law enforcement were clearing a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
How It Started
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office initially got calls about the park around 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. After that, a second call came in regarding a possible fight breaking out at the location.
Aerial units searched from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Despite this, authorities discovered that a crowd of several hundred had assembled at the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the hundreds present to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Responding personnel at once began identifying shooting victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were found to have been shot. The victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one check here had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage the four victims on location.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene was determined to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Investigators identified additional spent rounds on the Cottage Way roadway. Round impacts were observed in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. These discoveries showed that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was put under lockdown for a period of time. Crime scene personnel continued working for hours.
Suspects Detained
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in Solano County California. Four people were detained. Sacramento law enforcement were traveling to Solano County to collect the individuals for investigation. Surveillance footage showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.