Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are probing a gun violence incident that unfolded on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area while deputies were breaking up an unlawful assembly of several hundred people.
How It Started
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the Arden-Arcade park around half past six in the evening after receiving reports of people potentially armed with concealed firearms. Soon after, a second call came in about a reported physical confrontation breaking out at Howe Park.
Air support flew over the park but was unable to locate the reported altercation. However, it became clear that an enormous crowd had assembled at the park without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and using their vehicle PA systems directing the crowd to vacate the area. Roughly 15 minutes were given for people to comply.
Just as the crowd began to move that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The barrage of gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Law enforcement quickly moved to finding those who had been shot.
Those Who Were Hit
By the time the scene was secured, four individuals were confirmed as gunshot victims. The four individuals — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Doctors and nurses confirmed that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. In a positive development, all four were in stable condition.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene and aided in treating the four victims prior to hospital transport.
What Investigators Found
The bulk of the shooting was believed to have taken place near the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store located at the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. CSI personnel found extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet holes were identified in the wrought iron perimeter fencing adjacent to the Home Depot. The physical evidence confirmed that at least one of the shooters had been discharging rounds toward the south from Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was locked down during click here the incident. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene for hours.
Suspect Information
Reports confirmed via scanner audio indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were heading to pick up the four detainees to return them to Sacramento for formal questioning. Video evidence made clear that two individuals had fired weapons.