Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gun violence incident that broke out on April 18 2026 at the Howe Community Park area while authorities were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement were first called to Howe Park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after receiving reports of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, a follow-up call was made mentioning a possible fight unfolding near the park.
An overhead unit searched from above but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Even so, authorities discovered that a massive group had come together at the location in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Deputies set about removing people from the park by setting up around the park's perimeter and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling those gathered to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were given for the gathering to break up.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. The barrage of gunfire caused mass panic. Law enforcement wasted no time in searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four victims were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — including a female and three males all reportedly in their 20s at the time of the incident — were airlifted or driven to area medical facilities. Medical personnel indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one of the four had moderate gunshot wounds, and one had injuries classified as minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews arrived on scene and provided medical assistance the injured at the scene.
Physical Evidence
Most of the gunfire appears to have taken place on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home click here Depot store situated at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel located extra shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot. This ballistic evidence suggested that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from Cottage Way in the direction of the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was locked down for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspects Detained
Information relayed through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in an area within Solano County. Four people were held for questioning. Deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for processing in Sacramento County. Surveillance footage confirmed that there were two gunmen.