Sacramento County deputies are investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday night April 18 at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area while officers were shutting down an unauthorized event of a crowd of several hundred.
Background
Sacramento County law enforcement were first called to the park on Howe Avenue around 6:30 Saturday evening after obtaining information of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. Shortly after, a second caller reported mentioning a possible fight unfolding near the park.
A law enforcement helicopter searched from above but came back with no confirmation of a fight. However, it was evident that a massive group had come together at the location without permission.
The Shooting Itself
Deputies set about removing people from the park by forming a perimeter and issuing commands over loudspeakers telling attendees to go home. Approximately 15 minutes were provided for the crowd to leave.
As the crowd was being cleared that 20 to 25 gunshots echoed through the night. The rapid succession of shots sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel immediately began identifying shooting victims.
The Shooting Victims
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were Sacramento park shooting 2026 located with gunshot injuries. The shooting victims — made up of one woman and three men ranging in age through their in their mid to late twenties — were rushed to hospitals in the Sacramento area. Medical teams indicated that two were treated for serious injuries, one had moderate injuries, and one had injuries classified as minor. In a positive development, each of the four victims was stable.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District provided support and helped triage those who had been shot at the scene.
Crime Scene Evidence
The main crime scene was believed to have happened near the Cottage Way corridor alongside the Home Depot store on the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Investigators identified additional spent rounds along Cottage Way. Round impacts were identified in the iron fence near the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence showed that a shooter had been shooting in a southerly direction from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot building and parking lot. The Home Depot was temporarily locked down while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives worked tirelessly late into the evening.
Suspect Vehicle Located
Intelligence received over police scanner frequencies revealed that a Kia had been detained in an area within Solano County. Four detainees were held for questioning. Sheriff's units were traveling to Solano County to transport the detainees for further questioning. Video that was reviewed confirmed that two separate shooters participated in the incident.