Law enforcement in Sacramento are examining a shooting incident that took place on the evening of April 18 at Howe Park just as Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were shutting down an unsanctioned gathering of multiple hundreds of people.
Before the Gunfire
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the Arden-Arcade park at approximately 6:30 Saturday evening after learning of persons possibly in possession of concealed weapons. After that, a follow-up call was made describing a possible physical fight taking place near the park.
Air support searched from above but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had gathered without authorization without permission.
When the Shots Rang Out
Officers worked to disperse the crowd by surrounding the park and issuing commands over loudspeakers ordering the hundreds present to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were spent for attendees to disperse.
At the height of the dispersal effort that 20 to 25 gunshots were discharged. Gunfire caused mass panic. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started searching for victims.
The Shooting Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four people were located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — consisting of one woman and three men all Arden Arcade shooting April 2026 believed to be in their 20s at the time of the incident — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Emergency physicians confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, each of the four victims was stable.
Metro Fire Sacramento also responded and provided medical assistance the four victims at the scene.
Evidence at the Scene
The center of the incident appears to have been concentrated along the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot store situated at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Detectives discovered extra shell casings on the Cottage Way roadway. Bullet damage were noted in the iron fence bordering the Home Depot store. The physical evidence showed that a shooter had been aiming south from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while law enforcement worked the area. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives stayed at the location late into the evening.
Suspect Information
Information obtained through scanner monitoring established that a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in an area within Solano County. Four people were taken into custody. Deputies were traveling to Solano County to return them to Sacramento for investigation. Video that was reviewed established that two shooters had been involved.