Chaos at Howe Community Park Wounds Multiple Gunshot Victims in the Arden-Arcade Area of Sacramento

Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a gun violence incident that broke out Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park at the time law enforcement were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.

Background

Law enforcement initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park around 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made describing an alleged brawl happening within the park grounds.

Air support was sent to survey the area but reported no active disturbance. Despite this, deputies found that a massive group had packed into the park without official sanction.

The Dispersal and Shooting

Deputies moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements instructing attendees to disperse at once. Approximately 15 minutes were allotted for the crowd to leave.

Just as the crowd began to move that upwards of 20 gunshots echoed through the night. The barrage of gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies at once began searching for victims.

Those Who Were Hit

Ultimately, four gunshot victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The shooting victims — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their twenties — were taken to local Sacramento hospitals. Hospital staff noted that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one had injuries classified as minor. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.

Sacramento fire crews also responded and assisted with medical triage those with gunshot wounds on location.

Evidence at the Scene

The primary shooting scene appears to have occurred adjacent to Cottage Way alongside the local Home Depot on Home Depot Sacramento shooting the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were identified in the iron perimeter fence bordering the nearby Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel remained on scene late into the evening.

Suspects Detained

Intelligence received via scanner audio established that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were sent to retrieve the detainees to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene showed that there were two gunmen.