Officials in Sacramento County are examining a violent incident that took place website on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area as officers were dispersing a large unauthorized gathering of hundreds of attendees.
How It Started
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to the park shortly before half past six in the evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, a second call came in describing a possible physical fight breaking out inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Even so, it was apparent that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel started clearing the unauthorized gathering by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling attendees to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were allowed for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel at once began looking for those injured.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four gunshot victims were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — a group of one female and three male victims all reportedly in their 20s — were taken to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two had critical injury classifications, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and provided medical assistance shooting victims at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have unfolded near Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators recovered additional shell casings throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet damage were identified in the iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies confirmed that a Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four individuals were detained. Sheriff's units were dispatched to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Video that was reviewed made clear that two separate shooters participated in the incident.