Chaos at Howe Community Park Injures Multiple Gunshot Victims in the Arden-Arcade Section of Sacramento County
Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are working a violent incident that occurred Saturday evening at the Howe Community Park area just as law enforcement were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Community Park around 6:30 PM website after learning of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. After that, a follow-up call was made about a reported physical confrontation happening within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that a massive group had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and making announcements telling those gathered to go home. About 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel at once began looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
In total, four victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. All four — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds at the scene.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have occurred on the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the local Home Depot at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel found more spent casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing surrounding the Home Depot store. These findings indicated that one of the gunmen had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The store itself was placed on lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location well into the night.
Arrests Made
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic revealed that a Kia vehicle was intercepted in Solano County. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed established that two shooters had been involved.