The sheriff’s office said four people were taken to the hospital: a 21-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, a 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — People near Howe Park said they could hear gunfire echoing from several blocks away Saturday night after a large gathering turned chaotic and left four people hurt.
The shooting happened around 8 p.m., sending people running for safety, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities believe the event may have been connected to an unsanctioned gathering tied to UC Davis Picnic Day.
On most weekends in the Arden area, Howe Park is a quiet place where families gather to relax, fish and play sports.
“You see a lot of your regular. Just people with their kids. Out fishing and enjoying the park,” said Joseph, an Arden resident.
But Saturday felt different. Joseph said hundreds of people gathered, many appearing to be high school-aged, with music and a party-like atmosphere.
“I rode through here like I usually do every weekend, and I seen what looked like a bunch of kids, high school kids partying, and I saw a lot of people — maybe 500 people in here, it seemed like. A lot of music, it just seemed like a party. It felt like something might happen,” Joseph said.
Around 6:30 p.m., deputies were first called to the park for reports of people possibly carrying concealed weapons. A second call reported a fight and people running, but air support did not immediately find any disturbances.
Law enforcement then surrounded the park, activated sirens and made announcements for about 15 minutes instructing people to leave. That’s when deputies reported hearing between 20 and 25 gunshots.
A nearby vendor, Señor Benito, said he heard a rapid series of shots and took cover. He believed there were about 10 to 15 shots before he and others hid behind a car.
The sheriff’s office said four people were taken to the hospital: a 21-year-old man, a 24-year-old man, a 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman. Three had gunshot wounds, while one suffered a laceration.
“Several people that were involved, several witnesses that were involved, have alluded to the fact that this was essentially an unsanctioned gathering for a UC Davis picnic day. And that’s what initially drew these several 100 people into Howe Park,” said Sgt. Edward Igoe, spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators are now searching for those responsible.
“There was a vehicle of interest that was located in Fairfield last night. It was pulled over by Solano County Sheriff’s Office and the occupants were detained. There were two females and one male in the car. Detectives responded out. We’re able to interview all of the parties involved there,” Sgt. Igoe said.
Authorities said multiple teams, including gang detectives, are working the case.
Four shot near Howe Park in Sacramento County | Update
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