Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gunfire incident that took place on April 18 2026 at Howe Park at the time authorities were dissolving an unauthorized event of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. Soon after, additional information came in describing a possible physical fight breaking out near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, it was apparent that hundreds of people had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Officers started clearing the unauthorized gathering by positioning themselves around the crowd and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allotted for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were discharged. The shots triggered a stampede. Law enforcement immediately began identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman each reported to be in their mid to late twenties — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Medical personnel stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire were called to the scene and aided in treating the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting was confirmed to have been concentrated on Cottage Way close to the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were identified in the metal fencing bordering the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence pointed to that at least click here one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was locked down for a period of time. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly through the early morning hours.
Detainees in Solano County
Intelligence received through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a Kia connected to the shooting was pulled over in Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video that was reviewed showed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.