Sacramento County Sheriff's Office investigators are looking into a gunfire incident that took place late Saturday at the Howe Community Park area while authorities were shutting down a large unauthorized gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
How It Started
Law enforcement were first dispatched to Howe Park at about 6:30 PM on April 18 after learning of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Soon after, a follow-up call was made regarding a potential altercation happening near the park.
Air support searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, it was apparent that hundreds of people had congregated at Howe Park without permission.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units moved to clear the area by setting up around the park's perimeter and making announcements telling the hundreds present to go home. Roughly 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 rounds of ammunition echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots sent hundreds fleeing. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Those Who Were Hit
When the dust settled, four victims were discovered with shooting injuries. The four individuals — comprising three men and one woman ranging in age through their in their 20s at the time of the incident — were transported to area medical facilities. Medical teams indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. As of last report, all four victims survived and were stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and helped triage those with gunshot wounds at the park.
Crime Scene Evidence
The bulk of the shooting was determined to have been concentrated adjacent to Cottage Way alongside the Home Depot store located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. CSI personnel located further ballistic evidence in the form of shell casings scattered along Cottage Way. Bullet damage were discovered in the wrought iron perimeter fencing near the Home Depot store. This ballistic evidence indicated that one of the gunmen had been firing southward from the Cottage Way area toward the Home Depot. The store itself was put under lockdown as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives remained on scene late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Reports confirmed via scanner audio showed that a vehicle Arden Arcade Sacramento crime 2026 identified as a Kia was contacted by law enforcement in the Solano County area. Four people were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Solano County to collect the individuals for investigation. Video that was reviewed confirmed that there were two gunmen.