Sacramento County deputies are investigating a violent incident that erupted on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the time deputies were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially got calls about Howe Community Park at approximately half past six in the evening after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received mentioning a reported physical confrontation here happening near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. Despite this, authorities discovered that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without any permit or approval.
The Shooting Itself
Deputies moved to clear the area by positioning themselves around the crowd and broadcasting over loudspeakers telling those gathered to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were allotted for the crowd to leave.
As the crowd was being cleared that an estimated 20 to 25 shots echoed through the night. The shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Law enforcement immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four people were located with gunshot injuries. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento also responded and helped care for those who had been shot before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene was determined to have taken place adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park next to the local Home Depot located at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Law enforcement investigators identified more spent casings on Cottage Way. Round impacts were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. The physical evidence showed that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot store. The Home Depot was locked down for a period of time. Crime scene personnel kept processing evidence throughout the night.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Information obtained via scanner audio established that a Kia was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four occupants were held for questioning. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to pick up those detained for questioning. Video evidence confirmed that there were two gunmen.