Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gunfire incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment authorities were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 PM after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. After that, a second call came in about a reported physical confrontation occurring at the location.
Air support was sent to survey the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was evident that a massive group had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and making announcements telling attendees to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots cut through the air. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel quickly moved to searching for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
Ultimately, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. Those injured — including a female and three males each apparently in their 20s at the time read more of the incident — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Hospital staff noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department assisted at the location and provided medical assistance those who had been shot at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene seemed to have unfolded on the Cottage Way side of the park alongside the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. CSI personnel discovered extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were identified in the iron perimeter fence bordering the Home Depot. This evidence confirmed that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Details gathered through law enforcement radio communications showed that a Kia connected to the shooting had been detained in the Solano County area. Four suspects were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for further questioning. Surveillance footage revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.