Law enforcement in Sacramento are investigating a gunfire incident that unfolded Saturday evening at Howe Community Park in the Arden-Arcade area at the moment officers were clearing a large unsanctioned party of several hundred people.
Background
Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were first called to Howe Park around half past six in the evening after being notified of individuals possibly carrying concealed weapons. Not long after, a second caller reported about an alleged brawl breaking out within the park grounds.
Air support flew over the park but found nothing to substantiate the fight report. However, it was apparent that several hundred individuals had congregated at Howe Park without any permit or approval.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units moved to clear the area by positioning themselves around the crowd and using their vehicle PA systems ordering the crowd to vacate the area. Approximately 15 minutes were allotted for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that upwards of 20 gunshots rang out. Gunfire caused mass panic. Law enforcement swiftly started finding those who had been shot.
The Shooting Arden Arcade shooting April 2026 Victims
When the dust settled, four gunshot victims were confirmed as gunshot victims. All four — made up of one woman and three men each apparently in their twenties — were airlifted or driven to local Sacramento hospitals. Doctors and nurses stated that two victims sustained immediate injuries, one victim's injuries were classified as moderate, and one sustained minor gunshot wounds. Thankfully, all four were expected to survive.
Metro Fire Sacramento assisted at the location and helped care for those who had been shot prior to hospital transport.
What Investigators Found
The primary shooting scene appears to have happened adjacent to the Cottage Way side of the park adjacent to the Home Depot store on the 2200 Howe Avenue block. Crime scene investigators identified additional spent rounds throughout the Cottage Way area. Bullet holes were discovered in the iron fence surrounding the nearby Home Depot. The physical evidence suggested that at least one shooter had been firing southward from along Cottage Way toward the Home Depot. That Home Depot location was placed on lockdown while the scene was active. Forensic investigators and law enforcement detectives remained on scene through the early morning hours.
Arrests Made
Information obtained over scanner radio traffic indicated that a vehicle identified as a Kia was pulled over in Solano County California. Four occupants were taken into custody. Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were traveling to Solano County to pick up those detained for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene made clear that the shooting involved two separate gunmen.