Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting that erupted on April 18 2026 at Howe Park in Sacramento while law enforcement were clearing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, a second call came in mentioning a possible physical fight unfolding at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, it became clear that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies began the process of clearing the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers instructing the crowd to leave immediately. Around 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
It was during Howe Park shooting Sacramento this dispersal that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four gunshot victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams confirmed that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one suffered minor injuries. Thankfully, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews also responded and assisted with medical triage the injured at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have occurred adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Law enforcement investigators recovered additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the Home Depot. The physical evidence showed that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot building and parking lot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while law enforcement worked the area. CSI units alongside detectives kept processing evidence throughout the night.
Arrests Made
Information relayed through scanner monitoring indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in nearby Solano County. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for processing in Sacramento County. Video reviewed at the scene established that two shooters had been involved.