Sacramento County deputies are probing a gunfire incident that took place on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park at the moment officers were shutting down an unauthorized event of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially responded to Howe Park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, additional information came in mentioning a possible physical fight taking place near the park.
A sheriff's airship was sent to survey check here the area but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Even so, deputies found that a massive group had congregated at Howe Park in an unauthorized manner.
When the Shots Rang Out
Law enforcement personnel set about removing people from the park by positioning themselves around the crowd and making announcements commanding the assembled crowd to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were allotted for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition were fired. The rapid succession of shots triggered a stampede. Responding personnel immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
When the dust settled, four shooting victims were discovered with shooting injuries. All four — comprising three men and one woman all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were taken to area medical facilities. Hospital staff indicated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, all four were in stable condition.
Sacramento fire crews assisted at the location and helped care for shooting victims before they were taken to the hospital.
Evidence at the Scene
Most of the gunfire was confirmed to have been concentrated along the Cottage Way corridor near the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Detectives discovered extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were discovered in the iron perimeter fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. These findings showed that one of the gunmen had been aiming south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. The nearby Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained via scanner audio established that a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in an area within Solano County. Four detainees were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to collect the individuals for questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators made clear that two shooters had been involved.