Sacramento authorities are working a violent incident that occurred on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispersing an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
Before the Gunfire
Deputies initially got calls about Howe Community Park around 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, additional information came in about a possible fight occurring near the park.
An overhead unit scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Nevertheless, deputies found that an enormous crowd had packed into the park without authorization.
When the Shots Rang Out
Officers moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements ordering the hundreds present to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were given check here for attendees to disperse.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition rang out. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Law enforcement immediately began finding those who had been shot.
Four People Shot
In total, four people were found to have been shot. The shooting victims — consisting of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were airlifted or driven to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical personnel confirmed that two were treated for serious injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one person's injuries were considered minor. As of last report, each of the four victims was stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire assisted at the location and aided in treating the injured at the park.
The Investigation
The primary shooting scene was believed to have taken place on the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. Detectives discovered more spent casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Projectile impacts were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence indicated that at least one shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was temporarily locked down for a period of time. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Arrests Made
Information relayed through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for further questioning. Footage analyzed by investigators showed that two individuals had fired weapons.