Sacramento County deputies are investigating a shooting incident that unfolded late Saturday at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to Howe Park around 6:30 PM on April 18 after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, another report was received regarding a potential altercation unfolding near the park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, authorities discovered that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without any permit or approval.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by surrounding the park and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering the crowd to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were spent for the crowd to leave.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men each apparently in their 20s at the time of the incident — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel stated that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews assisted at the location and aided in treating those with gunshot wounds at the park.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting was confirmed to have taken place adjacent to Cottage Way near the Sacramento park shooting 2026 Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators identified more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were observed in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot. This evidence showed that a second shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Reports confirmed over police scanner frequencies revealed that a suspect Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were sent to retrieve the detainees to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene showed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.