Officials in Sacramento County are examining a shooting that occurred on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dissolving a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to the park on Howe Avenue at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after receiving reports of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Shortly after, a second caller reported about a possible fight taking place within the park grounds.
Air support scanned the area from the air but reported no active disturbance. Regardless, it became clear that hundreds of people had gathered without authorization without permission.
The Shooting Itself
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies worked to disperse the crowd by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems telling those gathered to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes get more info were allowed for individuals to vacate.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots cut through the air. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started searching for victims.
Four People Shot
In total, four people were located with gunshot injuries. Those injured — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their 20s — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Medical personnel reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department assisted at the location and aided in treating those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
The main crime scene appears to have occurred on Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives located additional spent rounds scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot store. This evidence confirmed that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was put under lockdown while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Reports confirmed over scanner radio traffic indicated that a Kia had been detained in Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sacramento law enforcement were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for questioning. Video reviewed at the scene revealed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.