Law enforcement in Sacramento are looking into a violent incident that took place Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park just as authorities were clearing a large unauthorized gathering of several hundred people.
Before the Gunfire
Law enforcement initially got calls about the Arden-Arcade park shortly before 6:30 PM after being notified of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Not long after, another report was received about a possible physical fight taking place at Howe Park.
An overhead unit scanned the area from the air but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had come together at the location without official sanction.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by encircling the gathering and using their vehicle PA systems directing those gathered to disperse at once. Nearly 15 minutes were allowed for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that between 20 and 25 rounds echoed through the night. The shots sent hundreds fleeing. Responding personnel immediately began locating gunshot victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
In total, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. All four — including a female and three males all reportedly in Sacramento park shooting 2026 their 20s at the time of the incident — were transported to local Sacramento hospitals. Emergency physicians confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one sustained moderate wounds, and one victim's wounds were minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento fire crews arrived on scene and aided in treating the four victims at the scene.
Physical Evidence
The primary shooting scene appears to have occurred on the Cottage Way corridor adjacent to the Home Depot store on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Law enforcement investigators located additional shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot store. This evidence suggested that one of the gunmen had been firing southward from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot building and parking lot. The store itself was placed on lockdown during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives continued working well into the night.
Arrests Made
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications established that a Kia vehicle was pulled over in nearby Solano County. Four occupants were detained. Sheriff's units were en route to collect those detained to bring the suspects back for processing in Sacramento County. Footage analyzed by investigators confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.