Shooting at Howe Park Injures 4 Shot in Sacramento's Arden-Arcade
Sacramento County deputies are working a shooting that unfolded Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento at the time authorities were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue shortly before 6:30 PM after receiving reports of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, additional information came in concerning a reported physical confrontation happening at the location.
An overhead unit conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it was evident that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies worked to disperse the crowd by setting up around the park's perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers commanding the hundreds present to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
As the crowd was being cleared that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies at once began searching for victims.
Four People click here Shot
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men each apparently in their 20s — were brought to local Sacramento hospitals. Emergency physicians reported that two had critical injury classifications, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and helped care for those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have been concentrated on the Cottage Way side of the park near the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel located extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were noted in the iron fence bordering the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence showed that a second shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was locked down during the incident. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic indicated that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four occupants were taken into custody. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that there were two gunmen.