Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that occurred on the evening of April 18 at Sacramento park shooting 2026 Howe Park at the moment deputies were breaking up a large unsanctioned party of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first called to Howe Community Park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Following that, a second call came in regarding a potential altercation unfolding inside the park.
A law enforcement helicopter was sent to survey the area but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, deputies found that a crowd of several hundred had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies set about removing people from the park by encircling the gathering and broadcasting over loudspeakers ordering those gathered to leave immediately. Nearly 15 minutes were spent for individuals to vacate.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. The shots sent the crowd running in all directions. Deputies quickly moved to searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Ultimately, four people were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman ranging in age through their in their twenties — were taken to area medical facilities. Medical personnel noted that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one had injuries classified as minor. Fortunately, all four were expected to survive.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and helped triage the four victims at the park.
What Investigators Found
The primary shooting scene was confirmed to have taken place near Cottage Way next to the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives identified additional shell casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were identified in the wrought iron fence near the Home Depot. These findings showed that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot store. The nearby Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location throughout the night.
Suspect Information
Information relayed over police scanner frequencies established that a vehicle identified as a Kia was intercepted in an area within Solano County. Four individuals were taken into custody. Sheriff's units were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Surveillance footage established that there were two gunmen.