Law enforcement in Sacramento are working a shooting that broke out Saturday night April 18 at Howe Park while officers were clearing a large unsanctioned party of a crowd of several hundred.
Prior to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first called to Howe Park just after half past six in the evening after learning of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, another report was received concerning a potential altercation breaking out near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter flew over the park but could not confirm any ongoing fight. Regardless, it became clear that a massive group had assembled at the park without any permit or approval.
The Dispersal and Shooting
Responding units began the process of clearing the park by encircling the gathering and announcing over their public address systems directing the assembled crowd to disperse at once. Around 15 minutes were allowed for the crowd to leave.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots Howe Community Park shooting 2026 were fired. The shots caused mass panic. Law enforcement wasted no time in identifying shooting victims.
Four Victims Hospitalized
In total, four individuals were identified as having gunshot wounds. The shooting victims — including a female and three males ranging in age through their in their early to late twenties — were taken to nearby hospitals. Medical teams confirmed that two victims were in serious condition, one person had injuries of a moderate nature, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Sacramento fire crews provided support and aided in treating the four victims before they were taken to the hospital.
The Investigation
The center of the incident seemed to have happened on the Cottage Way corridor close to the Home Depot located at the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Investigators identified more spent casings along Cottage Way. Bullet holes were also found in the wrought iron fence bordering the Home Depot. The physical evidence suggested that at least one shooter had been discharging rounds toward the south from the Cottage Way area targeting the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was locked down during the incident. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Details gathered over scanner radio traffic confirmed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been stopped in nearby Solano County. Four occupants were stopped and detained. Sheriff's units were en route to collect those detained to return them to Sacramento for further questioning. Video reviewed at the scene established that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.