Sacramento County deputies are investigating a shooting incident that erupted on April 18 2026 at Howe Park in Sacramento just as authorities were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
How It Started
Law enforcement initially responded to the Arden-Arcade park around 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Not long after, another report was received describing a potential altercation unfolding within the park grounds.
A sheriff's airship searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, deputies found that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the crowd to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were fired. The sudden gunfire caused mass panic. Law enforcement immediately began searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman all believed to be in their twenties — were brought to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped care for the injured at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting seemed to have been concentrated near the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Ballistic damage were observed in the metal fencing bordering the Home Depot. These discoveries pointed to that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown for a period of time. check here Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence late into the evening.
Detainees in Solano County
Information relayed via scanner audio showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in Solano County California. Four suspects were stopped and detained. Sacramento law enforcement were sent to retrieve the detainees to collect the individuals for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that there were two gunmen.