Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are investigating a violent incident that erupted on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dissolving a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
Background
Law enforcement initially got calls about Howe Park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Following that, a second caller reported concerning a possible physical fight breaking out at Howe Park.
Air support searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, it became clear that a crowd of several hundred had packed into the park without authorization.
The Shooting Itself
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and issuing commands over loudspeakers commanding the crowd to clear out. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots were discharged. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement at once began looking for those injured.
Those Who Were Hit
Ultimately, four people were confirmed as gunshot victims. Those injured — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to nearby hospitals. Medical teams indicated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
Metro Fire Sacramento also responded and provided medical assistance the four victims prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have happened along the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators located additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were noted in the wrought iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence confirmed that a shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down during the incident. CSI investigators and detectives continued working throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies established that a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four suspects were held for questioning. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to collect the individuals for investigation. Footage analyzed by investigators made clear that the check here shooting involved two separate gunmen.