Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at Howe Park in Sacramento just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were clearing an unlawful assembly of hundreds of attendees.
What Led to the Shooting
Sacramento County law enforcement first arrived at Howe Community Park just after 6:30 PM after getting calls of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Not long after, another report was received describing a possible physical fight occurring at Howe Park.
A sheriff's airship conducted an aerial sweep but reported no active disturbance. However, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Officers set about removing people from the park by encircling the gathering and making announcements ordering those gathered to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that between 20 and 25 rounds cut through the air. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Law enforcement immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four Victims Hospitalized
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — including a female and three males each apparently in their early to late twenties — were transported to Sacramento area hospitals. Medical personnel reported that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one victim's wounds were minor. As of last report, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped care for the injured at the park.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have taken place adjacent to Cottage Way alongside the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators identified additional spent rounds on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were also found in the wrought iron perimeter fencing alongside the Home Depot. These findings showed that at least one shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was put under lockdown while the scene was active. Crime scene personnel remained on scene for hours.
Suspect Information
Reports confirmed through scanner monitoring confirmed that a suspect Kia was intercepted in nearby Solano County. Four people were detained. Howe Park shooting Sacramento Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for formal questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that two individuals had fired weapons.