Officials in Sacramento County are probing a gunfire incident that erupted on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area while deputies were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement initially responded to the Arden-Arcade park shortly before half past six in the check here evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Not long after, another report was received concerning a possible physical fight breaking out near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Even so, it was evident that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers began the process of clearing the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and announcing over their public address systems instructing the hundreds present to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The shots triggered a stampede. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies wasted no time in searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four people were identified as having gunshot wounds. The shooting victims — made up of one woman and three men each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and helped triage shooting victims at the park.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene appears to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. CSI personnel identified additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Round impacts were observed in the iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot. These findings indicated that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown during the incident. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in an area within Solano County. Four detainees were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video evidence established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.