Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are looking into a violent incident that erupted on April 18 2026 at Howe Park just as authorities were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first dispatched to the Arden-Arcade park just after half past six in the evening after obtaining information of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, additional information came in describing an alleged brawl breaking out at Howe Park.
An overhead unit flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, it became clear that hundreds of people had assembled at the park without authorization.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing attendees to leave immediately. About 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. Gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies quickly moved to searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four victims were located with gunshot injuries. All four — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their 20s — were brought to area medical facilities. Hospital staff indicated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, all four victims survived and were stable.
The read more Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene and helped care for those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident was believed to have been concentrated adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot store at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators located more spent casings along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were observed in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries suggested that a second shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Arrests Made
Details gathered through scanner monitoring revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting was intercepted in the Solano County area. Four people were taken into custody. Deputies were en route to collect those detained to pick up those detained for questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators established that two shooters had been involved.