Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral

Lateral Police OfficerLateral Dispatcher

450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911

Lt. Derek Maddox

Retail theft Ring bust

Retail theft Ring bust

by | Jul 3, 2025 | ,

On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Special Operations Unit (SOU), served a search warrant at a residence in the 41800 block of Lomas Street, located in the unincorporated area of east Hemet.

This investigation began through the strong partnership between the Hemet Police Department and a local business loss prevention officer. The officer identified suspected stolen merchandise being sold on a social media sales platform. Detectives initiated an investigation, which quickly revealed the operation was consistent with an organized retail theft ring.

Retail theft Ring bust

Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

by | Jun 29, 2025 |

On Saturday June 28th, 2025 at approximately 1736 hours, Hemet Police Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, in the area of Domenigoni Pkwy and State Street, in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on scene and located a deceased male down in the roadway.

Retail theft Ring bust

It all add$ up

by | Apr 29, 2025 |

On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a targeted “Blitz” operation, focusing on Petco and Smart & Final stores within the city. This proactive initiative aimed to address and deter organized retail theft activities affecting local businesses.

Retail theft Ring bust

mail theft arrest made

by | Apr 23, 2025 |

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Hemet Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Division Court regarding a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near community mailboxes.

Upon arrival, officers located a tan/gold 1993 Jeep Cherokee parked directly adjacent to the mailboxes. The vehicle was occupied by an adult male, later identified as 42-year-old Naythan Story, who appeared to be unconscious in the driver’s seat while the vehicle was running.

Retail theft Ring bust

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

by | Mar 13, 2025 | ,

The Hemet Police Department has successfully apprehended two suspects linked to a series of graffiti vandalism incidents that have plagued local businesses and public property over the past several weeks. On March 11, 2025, while conducting encampment enforcement along Florida Avenue, detectives from the AERO (Active Engagement Response and Outreach for our Community) Team obtained critical information regarding individuals responsible for the widespread “LMN” graffiti appearing throughout the city. The investigation led detectives to a local hotel, where they contacted the primary adult suspect.
During their contact, detectives discovered a significant amount of evidence directly linking him to the ongoing graffiti vandalism. Additionally, detectives seized 22.12 grams of methamphetamine and 1.84 grams of fentanyl, along with other evidence indicating narcotic sales. Initial estimates for damages caused by the tagging spree exceed $4,000 in just the past few weeks.

Retail theft Ring bust

Message from the Chief of Police, Hemet Police Department

by | Feb 4, 2025 |

As your Chief of Police for the Hemet Police Department, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support for the rights of freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully. These rights are fundamental to our democracy and are entitled to every one of us in this great country. We encourage individuals and groups to express their views and opinions.

Retail theft Ring bust

OPERATION HOLIDAY WATCH

by | Dec 31, 2024 |

During the final shopping days before Christmas, several California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, coordinated a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime and promoting a safe shopping environment for communities throughout California. 

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, 2024 resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles.  The charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail theft, felon in possession of a firearm and auto theft.

Retail theft Ring bust

Proposition 36 is in effect

by | Dec 20, 2024 |

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, known as “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act.” Proposition 36 took effect on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Proposition 36 modifies existing laws and adds substantive charges and enhancements to areas of the California Penal Code and Health and Safety Code regarding theft, property damage, and drug-related crimes.

Keep the Final Days of Summer Fun, Not Fatal

Aug 19, 2025

As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Hemet Police Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Aug 14, 2025

Hemet, CA.- On Thursday, August 14th, 2025, at approximately 1225 hours, the Hemet Police Communications Center received a call regarding a motorcycle colliding with a vehicle in the area of Lyon Avenue and Eaton Avenue, in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located an unresponsive motorcyclist down in the roadway. Officers immediately began rendering aid to the motorcyclist until they were relieved by medical personnel. Despite these life-saving measures, the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. The other driver involved in this collision also remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.