Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are working a shooting incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park at the moment deputies were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially responded to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after learning of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, another report was received concerning a reported physical confrontation occurring near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter conducted an aerial sweep but reported no active disturbance. Even so, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering the assembled crowd to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The rapid succession of shots triggered a stampede. Law enforcement immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
Altogether, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — a group of one female and three male victims all reportedly in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel confirmed that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one had moderate injuries, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four victims survived and were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and helped triage those who had been shot at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
The primary shooting scene seemed to have occurred along the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot situated at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators identified additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot. This evidence pointed to that one Howe Park shooting Sacramento of the gunmen had been sending rounds south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The nearby Home Depot was placed on lockdown as a precaution. CSI investigators and detectives remained on scene throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through scanner monitoring showed that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County. Four suspects were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two separate shooters participated in the incident.