Sacramento authorities are working a shooting incident that took place Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment deputies were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Not long after, a second call came in concerning a possible fight unfolding near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Nevertheless, it became clear that several hundred individuals had packed into the park without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and announcing over their public address systems directing those gathered to leave immediately. Around 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. Gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies at once began searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four people were identified as having gunshot wounds. The victims — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were brought to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Emergency physicians noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene and assisted with medical triage those with gunshot wounds on location.
The Investigation
The main crime scene was believed to have occurred near Cottage Way Sacramento park shooting 2026 near the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot. This evidence showed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was locked down for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received over scanner radio traffic revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four people were taken into custody. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video that was reviewed showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.