Officials in Sacramento County are here examining a gun violence incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at Howe Park as deputies were shutting down a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Prior to the Shooting
Deputies first arrived at the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Following that, a second call came in regarding a possible fight unfolding at the location.
Aerial units scanned the area from the air but reported no active disturbance. Even so, it was apparent that a crowd of several hundred had congregated at Howe Park without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units moved to clear the area by encircling the gathering and making announcements directing the crowd to disperse at once. About 15 minutes were given for the crowd to leave.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies immediately began looking for those injured.
The Shooting Victims
Altogether, four people were found to have been shot. Those injured — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their 20s — were taken to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one victim's wounds were minor. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured at the park.
The Investigation
The center of the incident appears to have been concentrated along Cottage Way next to the local Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators found further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Bullet holes were identified in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. This evidence confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area aimed at the Home Depot store. That Home Depot location was secured under a brief lockdown during the incident. Crime scene personnel worked tirelessly well into the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received via scanner audio indicated that a Kia had been detained in an area within Solano County. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sacramento law enforcement were dispatched to Solano County to pick up those detained for formal questioning. Video evidence established that two shooters had been involved.