Law enforcement in Sacramento are probing a violent incident that broke out on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park as law enforcement were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after getting calls of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. After that, another report was received describing a possible fight unfolding within the park grounds.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Despite this, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had gathered without authorization without permission.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Officers moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and announcing over their public address systems directing those gathered to leave immediately. Roughly 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies quickly moved to locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four individuals were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to nearby hospitals. Medical teams confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. In a positive development, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The center of the incident was determined to have taken place on the Cottage Way side of the park close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered additional Arden Arcade Sacramento crime 2026 spent rounds along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were also found in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence pointed to that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained through scanner monitoring established that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four people were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene showed that there were two gunmen.