Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral

450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

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

Judith Gibson

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a “Blitz” operation at the Village West Shopping Center. The purpose of this operation was to address and deter organized retail theft activities that continue to affect local businesses.

Between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., undercover officers worked in close partnership with store staff and security personnel to identify and apprehend individuals engaging in theft-related activities. Their efforts resulted in five arrests over the course of the operation. Four felony cases and one misdemeanor case were filed, a parole hold was issued, one vehicle was towed, and officers recovered $624 in stolen merchandise.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

Hemet, Calif. — On Monday, October 13, 2025, at approximately 9:46 a.m., the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 3100 block of West Florida Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. The identity of the deceased will not be disclosed at this time, pending official family notification.
This is an active homicide investigation handled by the Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Corporal Sobaszek at (951)765-2497 or provide an anonymous tip through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

HEMET POLICE CONDUCT DUI SAFETY CHECKPOINT

The Hemet Police Department will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, September 15th, 2025, from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am at an undisclosed location within the City of Hemet.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on DUI crashes and arrests data collection and statistical information. The primary purpose of checkpoints is to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.  During the checkpoint, Officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission.  Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

September is Pedestrian Safety Month

September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Hemet Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024. In California alone, pedestrian deaths make up more than 24 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

Fatal Traffic Collision

On Monday, August 25th, 2025, at approximately 6:02 AM, Hemet Police Communications Center received several calls regarding a traffic collision in the area of Warren Road and Poplar Street, in the City of Hemet (County of Riverside).  Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located three involved vehicles, with one of the drivers being unresponsive.  Medical aid was rendered to the unresponsive female driver.  Despite these life-saving measures, the female driver succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision.  One of the other involved drivers was transported to Riverside University Health System Medical Center (RUHS) for what appeared to be minimal to moderate injuries.  The third driver involved in this collision remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

Keep the Final Days of Summer Fun, Not Fatal

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.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

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.

5 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ORT BLITZ OPERATION

Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

On Friday August 8th, 2025 at approximately 06:08 pm, Hemet Police Communications Center received a 911 call, regarding a bicyclist being struck by a vehicle, in the area of Lincoln Avenue and Soboba Street, in the City of Hemet. Officers arrived on scene and located the involved parties. The bicyclist involved was actively being treated by medical personnel and immediately transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be moderate injuries. The driver involved in this collision also remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. 

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is almost here

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is almost here

The Hemet Police Department is rolling out the welcome mat and inviting the entire community to join us for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. behind the Hemet Public library at 200 N. Harvard Street, Hemet CA 92543.
National Night Out is a nationwide campaign designed to promote strong community partnerships, build neighborhood camaraderie, and foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. This family-friendly evening will feature demonstrations, activities, and opportunities for residents to connect directly with their police department and first responders.

3 arrested in ort blitz operation

3 arrested in ort blitz operation

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted a “Blitz” operation at the Target store located in the City of Hemet. The purpose of this operation was to address and deter organized retail theft activities that continue to affect local businesses.

Between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., undercover officers and retail staff worked in and around the store, identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in theft-related crimes. The operation resulted in the arrest of three adults, two for felony offenses and one for a misdemeanor. The total value of merchandise stolen during the operation was approximately $630.62. Charges included: 666.1(a) PC and 490.5(a) PC.  

This enforcement effort is part of the department’s broader commitment to addressing the rise in retail theft. The passage of Proposition 36 in 2024 introduced stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Under this law, individuals with two or more prior theft-related convictions may face felony charges upon a third offense, even if the value stolen is under $950. This allows officers and prosecutors to hold repeat offenders more accountable and helps protect local retailers from ongoing loss and disruption.

FATAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

Hemet, Calif. — On Monday, October 13, 2025, at approximately 9:46 a.m., the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a shooting in the 3100 block of West Florida Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. The identity of the deceased will not be disclosed at this time, pending official family notification.
This is an active homicide investigation handled by the Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Corporal Sobaszek at (951)765-2497 or provide an anonymous tip through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free in the Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users.

Homicide investigation

On Tuesday, November 23, 2025, at approximately 1:57 a.m., the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call from the 400 block of Steiner Drive regarding a disturbance. Moments later, the caller indicated someone had been shot.  Upon officer’s arrival, they located a crime scene but were unable to locate a shooting victim.

A short time later, two victims with gunshot wounds arrived at Hemet Global Medical Center.  Both sustained critical injuries and were later taken to a nearby trauma center.