Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting that occurred on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area just as law enforcement were dissolving a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies first arrived at Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 PM after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, another report was received regarding a potential altercation occurring near the park.
A sheriff's airship flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, it was evident that a massive group had packed into the park without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and announcing over their public address systems telling attendees to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement immediately began searching for victims.
Those Who Were Hit
In total, four individuals were discovered with Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation shooting injuries. The shooting victims — comprising three men and one woman each apparently in their mid to late twenties — were transported to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and assisted with medical triage those with gunshot wounds on location.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident appears to have unfolded along the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Crime scene investigators recovered extra shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet damage were identified in the iron fence alongside the Home Depot. The physical evidence indicated that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. Crime scene technicians and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspects Detained
Details gathered over police scanner frequencies established that a Kia vehicle was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four individuals were held for questioning. Sacramento law enforcement were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Video that was reviewed established that there were two gunmen.