Sacramento County deputies are examining a gun violence incident that took place on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park at the moment deputies were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of several hundred people.
Before check here the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the park at approximately 6:30 PM after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received concerning a potential altercation unfolding at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was apparent that hundreds of people had packed into the park without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing attendees to clear out. About 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. Gunfire triggered a stampede. Deputies at once began looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four shooting victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Medical personnel stated that two were treated for serious injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. Fortunately, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department arrived on scene and helped triage the four victims prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have occurred along the Cottage Way side of the park near the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were also found in the iron fence bordering the nearby Home Depot. This evidence indicated that at least one shooter had been sending rounds south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot store. The store itself was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies showed that a Kia connected to the shooting had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four suspects were stopped and detained. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.