Sacramento County deputies are examining a gunfire incident that took place late Saturday at Howe Park as deputies were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the park just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received concerning a possible physical fight occurring near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that hundreds of people had packed into the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by encircling the gathering and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling the assembled crowd to leave Arden Arcade Sacramento crime 2026 immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. The sudden gunfire triggered a stampede. Officers at once began looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. The shooting victims — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and provided medical assistance those who had been shot on location.
What Investigators Found
Most of the gunfire was believed to have happened adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel kept processing evidence for hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies established that a suspect Kia was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were detained. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were en route to collect those detained to bring the suspects back for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that there were two gunmen.