Sacramento authorities are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the time law enforcement were dissolving a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially got calls about the park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, additional information came in regarding a potential altercation taking place at the location.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, authorities discovered that an enormous crowd had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Responding units started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers commanding the crowd to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that an estimated 20 to 25 shots rang out. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were located with gunshot injuries. The victims — including a female and three males all believed to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department also responded and aided in treating the injured at the scene.
Physical Evidence
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have unfolded adjacent to Cottage Way close to the Home Depot store on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators discovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the iron fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been aiming south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while Howe Park shooting Sacramento the scene was active. Crime scene personnel kept processing evidence throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring established that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in Solano County. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video evidence confirmed that there were two gunmen.