Chaos at Howe Community Park Leaves Four People Injured in the Arden-Arcade Area of Sacramento
Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a gun violence incident that took place Saturday evening at Howe Park just as authorities were clearing a large unsanctioned party of multiple hundreds of people.
How It Started
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park around Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation half past six in the evening after receiving reports of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, a second caller reported describing a reported physical confrontation breaking out at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that several hundred individuals had come together at the location without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Officers set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and making announcements commanding the assembled crowd to clear out. Around 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies wasted no time in locating gunshot victims.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four gunshot victims were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their early to late twenties — were transported to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. According to authorities, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department assisted at the location and aided in treating those who had been shot at the park.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene seemed to have been concentrated along the Cottage Way side of the park close to the Home Depot on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators found more spent casings on Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were observed in the iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot store. These findings pointed to that a shooter had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location for hours.
Arrests Made
Information obtained through scanner monitoring revealed that a Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four occupants were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for investigation. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two shooters had been involved.