Sacramento County deputies are examining a gunfire incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area as authorities were dispersing a large unsanctioned party of hundreds of attendees.
Background
Deputies first arrived at the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 PM after obtaining information of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. After that, another report was received describing a possible physical fight taking place at Howe Park.
Aerial units flew over the park but reported no active disturbance. Regardless, deputies found that several hundred individuals had come together at the location without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the assembled crowd to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
Ultimately, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men all reportedly in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to area medical facilities. Medical personnel confirmed that two had critical injury classifications, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. Thankfully, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
Crime Scene Evidence
Most of the gunfire appears to have unfolded near the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel identified more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were noted in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the Home Depot. The physical evidence suggested that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from the Cottage Way area in the direction of the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained over police scanner frequencies established that a suspect Kia was intercepted in the Solano County area. Four occupants were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for investigation. Video evidence showed that two separate shooters check here participated in the incident.