Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are working a gunfire incident that erupted Saturday evening at Howe Park as deputies were dissolving an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.

Before the Gunfire

Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue shortly before 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, another report was received mentioning a possible fight occurring near the park.

A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Regardless, authorities discovered that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location without permission.

The Shooting Itself

Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by encircling the gathering and making announcements directing the hundreds present to go home. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.

It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Responding personnel swiftly started identifying shooting victims.

Four People Shot

By the time the scene was secured, four people were found to have been shot. The victims — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were transported to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff stated that two victims were in serious condition, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.

Sacramento Metro Fire provided support and assisted with medical triage those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.

Physical Evidence

The main crime scene was confirmed to have taken place near Cottage Way close to the local Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives discovered additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Round impacts were discovered in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence suggested that a shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene personnel stayed at the location check here throughout the night.

Suspect Information

Information relayed through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to collect the individuals for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.