450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543
Non-Emergency: (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911
Hemet, Calif. — On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at approximately 12:27 pm, the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a call regarding a carjacking in the 1200 block of South Sanderson Avenue in Hemet. A witness described two males pushing an elderly female, taking her keys, and stealing her Toyota pickup truck.
During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, The Hemet Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. Safe riding and driving practices, and a shared responsibility from all road users, will help everyone get to their destination safely.
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hemet Police Department is encouraging more people to get active and safely take bike rides.
“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Traffic Sergeant Gabriel Gomez said. “Let’s look out for one another and share the road, share the responsibility.”
On Tuesday, February 17th 2026, at approximately 3:08 A.M., Hemet Police Communications Center received a call regarding a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Sanderson Avenue and Florida Avenue, in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene and located a white Volkswagen sedan and a silver Honda that were involved in the collision. The driver of the Honda fled the location prior to officers’ arrival, and the driver of the Volkswagen was unresponsive. Officers began rendering aid to the unresponsive driver until they were relieved by medical personnel. The unresponsive driver was later transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased. The driver who fled the scene was located a short distance from the scene of the collision and taken into custody.
Based on these circumstances, the Hemet Police Department Traffic Bureau responded to the scene of the collision and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the white Volkswagen was traveling west on Florida Avenue, approaching Sanderson Avenue, when the driver attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by the silver Honda. Impaired driving does appear to be a factor, and the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The 3200 block of eastbound Florida Avenue was closed from approximately 03:08 am to 07:30 am.
If you witnessed this collision or have any helpful information for Traffic Investigators, you are urged to contact Officer Reineke at (951)765-2400 and reference file #2026-01240.
Chief Arellano has authorized members of the Hemet Police Department to voluntarily wear commemorative Semiquincentennial police badges from now through December 31, 2026, in recognition of this historic milestone.
Throughout 2026, our officers will proudly wear these Semiquincentennial Commemorative Police Badges, honoring 250 years of American law enforcement service.
These badges symbolize a legacy built on duty, sacrifice, and service, reflecting generations of officers who have stood watch over their communities with honor and integrity.
