450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543
Non-Emergency: (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911
On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at approximately 12:45 am, Hemet Police Department officers responded to a motel located in the 2600 block of W. Florida Ave, Hemet, regarding shots fired. Hemet police officers arrived on scene and located a male gunshot victim. Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by Hemet Fire Personnel. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
On Friday, November 17, 2023, at approximately 9:42 pm, the Hemet Police Department received a call of gunshots heard in the 800 block of South Palm Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found an adult male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by Hemet Fire Personnel, who transported the victim to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The Hemet Police Department is aware of allegations that the subject in this officer-involved shooting was unarmed at the time of the incident and or he was compliant with his hands up. This is not the case
On October 25, 2023, Hemet Police Officers responded to a major injury traffic collision with one fatality. The investigation was turned over to CHP.
Hemet, Calif. — On Saturday, April 1, 2023, at approximately 10:56 pm, the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a call of gunshots heard in the 1800 block of W. Devonshire Avenue. Officers arrived on scene and located an adult victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to their injuries. The victim’s name is not being released at this time, pending notification of their family.
The Hemet Police Department’s investigation has led to the arrest of 56-year-old Ronnie Harper of Hemet on Thursday, April 5, for Homicide.
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.
