Officials in Sacramento County are looking into a gun violence incident that broke out on April 18 2026 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area while Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unauthorized event of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies initially responded to the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 PM on April 18 after being notified of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. Following that, a follow-up call was made about a possible physical fight unfolding at the location.
Aerial units searched from above but reported no active disturbance. Regardless, authorities discovered that a massive group had assembled at the park without official sanction.
When the Shots Rang Out
Deputies started clearing the unauthorized gathering by positioning themselves around the crowd and issuing commands over loudspeakers instructing the assembled crowd to leave immediately. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for people to comply.
At the height of the dispersal effort that upwards of 20 gunshots were discharged. The sudden gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Deputies wasted no time in searching for victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
Altogether, four people were identified as having gunshot wounds. The four individuals — consisting of one woman and three men all reportedly in their early to late twenties — were rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency physicians noted that two were treated for serious injuries, one sustained moderate wounds, and one suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento were called to the scene and helped care for the four victims on location.
Crime Scene Evidence
The center of the incident appears to have unfolded along Cottage Way adjacent to the Home Depot on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel discovered extra shell casings along Cottage Way. Round impacts were noted in the metal fencing alongside the Home Depot store. These discoveries suggested that a shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from along Cottage Way targeting the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was secured under a brief lockdown while the scene was active. CSI investigators and detectives worked tirelessly well into the night.
Detainees in Solano County
Information obtained through law enforcement radio communications confirmed that a Kia connected to the shooting had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four individuals more info were held for questioning. Law enforcement units were heading to pick up the four detainees to bring the suspects back for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene confirmed that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.