Officials in Sacramento County are examining a gunfire incident that took place on April 18 2026 at Howe Park at the time officers were clearing an unlawful assembly of multiple hundreds of people.
What Led to the Shooting
Deputies initially responded to the park on Howe Avenue just after 6:30 in the evening after receiving reports of subjects reportedly carrying hidden weapons. After that, another report was received regarding a potential altercation occurring near the park.
A sheriff's airship flew over the park but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Nevertheless, deputies found that an enormous crowd had gathered without authorization without official sanction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Officers set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and making announcements telling the hundreds present to vacate the area. Around 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sent the crowd running in all directions. Officers immediately began looking for those injured.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four people were found to have been shot. The four individuals — a group of one female and three male victims each reported to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were taken to nearby hospitals. Hospital staff indicated that two victims were in serious condition, one victim's injuries were classified Sacramento County Sheriff shooting investigation as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. In a positive development, all four victims survived and were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and aided in treating those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene was determined to have occurred along Cottage Way alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel identified further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet holes were discovered in the wrought iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. These discoveries showed that a second shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was put under lockdown as a precaution. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives kept processing evidence well into the night.
Suspect Information
Information relayed through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in Solano County. Four occupants were stopped and detained. Sacramento law enforcement were en route to collect those detained to transport the detainees for investigation. Footage analyzed by investigators revealed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.