Sacramento County deputies are looking into a shooting incident that took place on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area at the moment authorities were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Park at about 6:30 PM after learning of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, a follow-up call was made regarding a possible fight unfolding at the location.
An overhead unit was sent to survey the area but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Even so, deputies found that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel worked to disperse the crowd by forming a perimeter and announcing over their public address systems instructing those gathered to go home. Around 15 minutes were given for individuals to vacate.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. Gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers swiftly started searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four people were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses stated that two had critical injury classifications, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and helped care for the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
The main crime scene was determined to have taken place on the Cottage Way corridor alongside the local Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators discovered additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Ballistic damage were also found in the metal fencing near the nearby here Home Depot. These findings confirmed that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. The Home Depot was locked down while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives continued working late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Intelligence received through scanner monitoring confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in the Solano County area. Four occupants were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for questioning. Surveillance footage established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.