Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a gun violence incident that unfolded on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unauthorized event of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation enforcement first arrived at Howe Park shortly before 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received describing a potential altercation unfolding near the park.
Air support was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, deputies found that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Deputies moved to clear the area by positioning themselves around the crowd and using their vehicle PA systems ordering those gathered to clear out. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for the gathering to break up.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots rang out. Gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were taken to nearby hospitals. Medical personnel reported that two victims were in serious condition, 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 Department provided support and helped care for shooting victims prior to hospital transport.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have occurred near Cottage Way close to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were also found in the metal fencing near the Home Depot store. The physical evidence indicated that a shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel remained on scene for hours.
Arrests Made
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia was intercepted in Solano County California. Four suspects were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video evidence confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.