Sacramento County deputies are investigating a gun violence incident that took place on April 18 2026 at Howe Park in Sacramento at the moment deputies were shutting down an unlawful assembly of multiple hundreds of people.
How It Started
Deputies initially got calls about the park shortly before half past six in the evening after being notified of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Soon after, a second caller reported describing a possible physical fight happening near the park.
A sheriff's airship was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had assembled at the park without authorization.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Law enforcement personnel began the process of clearing the park by forming a perimeter and making announcements instructing those gathered to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were provided for individuals to vacate.
Just as the crowd began to move that 20 to 25 gunshots rang out. The barrage of gunfire sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement swiftly started finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four people were found to have been shot. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men each reported to be in their twenties — were rushed to area medical facilities. Doctors and nurses reported that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and helped triage those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The main crime scene was determined to have taken place along the Cottage Way corridor next to the Home Depot store at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators located additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were also found in the wrought iron fence alongside the Home Depot store. The physical evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way aimed check here at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was temporarily locked down for a period of time. CSI investigators and detectives remained on scene well into the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications revealed that a Kia connected to the shooting was contacted by law enforcement in Solano County California. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to transport the detainees for further questioning. Surveillance footage established that there were two gunmen.