Sacramento County deputies are probing a violent incident that broke out on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area as officers were breaking up a large unauthorized gathering of a crowd of several hundred.
How It Started
Sacramento County law enforcement initially responded to the park shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Not long after, another report was received regarding a possible physical fight happening within the park grounds.
A sheriff's airship was sent to survey the area but came back with no confirmation of a fight. Despite this, it was evident that a crowd of several hundred had packed into the park without any permit or approval.
The Shooting Itself
Deputies set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and using their vehicle PA systems directing the assembled crowd to vacate the area. About 15 minutes were given for attendees to disperse.
It was during this dispersal that upwards of 20 gunshots were fired. The rapid succession of shots caused mass panic. Officers immediately began searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. The victims — consisting of one woman and three men all believed to be in their early to late twenties — were brought to area medical facilities. Medical teams noted that two of the four had injuries classified as immediate, Cottage Way shooting Sacramento one sustained moderate wounds, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District arrived on scene and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
What Investigators Found
The primary shooting scene was believed to have taken place on the Cottage Way corridor near the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators recovered further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings on Cottage Way. Projectile impacts were noted in the iron perimeter fence adjacent to the Home Depot. This evidence suggested that at least one shooter had been sending rounds south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was secured under a brief lockdown for a period of time. CSI units alongside detectives stayed at the location for hours.
Suspect Information
Reports confirmed through law enforcement radio communications indicated that a Kia vehicle had been detained in the Solano County area. Four detainees were taken into custody. Law enforcement units were dispatched to Solano County to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two shooters had been involved.