Chaos at Howe Community Park Results in Multiple Gunshot Victims in Sacramento's Arden-Arcade

Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gunfire incident that occurred late Saturday at Howe Park while deputies were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.

Background

Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at Howe Park at about 6:30 in the evening after receiving reports of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Shortly after, a follow-up call was made concerning a reported physical confrontation unfolding near the park.

Air support flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. However, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.

How the Shooting Unfolded

Responding units set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and announcing over their public address systems instructing the hundreds present to disperse at once. Roughly 15 minutes were provided for attendees to disperse.

While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies at once began searching for victims.

Four Gunshot Victims

When the dust settled, four shooting victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The victims — comprising three men and one woman each apparently in their twenties — were brought to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical teams confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and provided medical assistance shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.

What Investigators Found

The bulk of the shooting was believed to have occurred on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives recovered more spent Sacramento park shooting 2026 casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were noted in the metal fencing alongside the nearby Home Depot. This evidence indicated that a shooter had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown during the incident. CSI investigators and detectives remained on scene for hours.

Suspects Detained

Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a suspect Kia was pulled over in the Solano County area. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that there were two gunmen.