Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gunfire incident that unfolded on April 18 2026 at Howe Community here Park at the time Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing an unauthorized event of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue around 6:30 in the evening after learning of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, a second caller reported describing a potential altercation occurring inside the park.
An overhead unit was sent to survey the area but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Regardless, it was evident that a massive group had packed into the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by positioning themselves around the crowd and broadcasting over loudspeakers directing attendees to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Officers at once began locating gunshot victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — comprising three men and one woman each apparently in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to area medical facilities. Medical personnel indicated that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento provided support and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have been concentrated adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing surrounding the Home Depot. This evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Details gathered through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a Kia was intercepted in Solano County California. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that there were two gunmen.