Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a violent incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the time officers were clearing a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, additional information came in regarding a possible fight taking place within the park grounds.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, it was evident that several hundred individuals had come together at the location without official click here sanction.
The Shooting Itself
Responding units moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements instructing the crowd to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement swiftly started looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were transported to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department arrived on scene and helped care for shooting victims on location.
The Investigation
The main crime scene was confirmed to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way corridor next to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel found additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were noted in the iron perimeter fence alongside the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The store itself was placed on lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in Solano County. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were sent to retrieve the detainees to collect the individuals for formal questioning. Surveillance footage showed that there were two gunmen.