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450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

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News Releases

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Hemet Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

homicide investigation

Hemet, California – On Friday, March 21, 2025, at about 2:27 am, Hemet Fire responded to the 300 block of E. Florida Avenue, Hemet in regards to an unconscious male in the parking lot.  The male subject was transported to a local trauma center for further treatment.    

At 4:02 hours, Hemet Police dispatch received a call from the hospital stating the male subject sustained major trauma to his head.  Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau was notified and assumed the investigation.  Detectives determined that the victim was assaulted and left unconscious before the call for medical assistance was made.

Despite lifesaving efforts, on Monday, March 24, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The victim’s name is not being released at this time.  During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Michael Martin as the suspect responsible for the homicide.  On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Martin was arrested and transported to Hemet PD and then to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he was booked for homicide and held on a $1,000,000 bail.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Citywide Graffiti Case

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.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

officer injured during pursuit

Hemet, CA – On Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at 1:55 AM, Officers from the Hemet Police Department responded to the 1300 block of El Nita Lane for a subject smashing out vehicle windows.  Officers arrived and contacted the suspect who ran to his vehicle and fled the location, a pursuit was then initiated by officers. During the pursuit, spike strips were deployed, however the suspect drove into the opposite lanes of traffic and struck an HPD officer who was standing by his patrol car.  The suspect vehicle continued driving and collided in the 500 block of N. San Jacinto Street where he was taken into custody. The officer was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

fatal stabbing investigation

Hemet, California – On Friday, February 21, 2025, at about 10:25 pm, Hemet Police Officers responded to the 100 block of North Hamilton Avenue, Hemet in regards to a stabbing that had just occurred.  The reporting party informed dispatch his friend was stabbed. 

When Officers arrived on scene they located a 15-year-old male with a stab wound.  Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by medical personnel who transported the victim to a local trauma center for further medical treatment. 

Despite lifesaving efforts, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The victim’s name is not being released at this time.  The Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is handling the investigation.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Proposition 36 is in effect

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.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Hemet Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

fatal traffic collision

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, at approximately 07:57 am, Hemet Police Officers responded to a traffic collision west of the intersection of Kirby Street and Acacia Avenue.

Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and located the two vehicles involved; a smaller passenger vehicle and a City of Hemet Public Works utility truck. An adult male, later discovered to be a City of Hemet employee for the Public Works Department was discovered unresponsive at the scene. Officers immediately began providing first aid, but unfortunately the male succumbed to his injuries on scene.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

homicide investigation

Hemet, Calif. – On Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, at approximately 5:30am, Hemet Police Communications Center received multiple 911calls regarding a bicyclist being struck by a vehicle in the 3800 block of West Devonshire Avenue.  When officers arrived on scene they located an unresponsive male down in the roadway.  Officers provided life saving measures until relieved by Emergency Medical 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 victim’s name is not being released at this time, pending notification of his family. 

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Hemet Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward, and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

homicide investigation

Hemet, California – On Friday, March 21, 2025, at about 2:27 am, Hemet Fire responded to the 300 block of E. Florida Avenue, Hemet in regards to an unconscious male in the parking lot.  The male subject was transported to a local trauma center for further treatment.    

At 4:02 hours, Hemet Police dispatch received a call from the hospital stating the male subject sustained major trauma to his head.  Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau was notified and assumed the investigation.  Detectives determined that the victim was assaulted and left unconscious before the call for medical assistance was made.

Despite lifesaving efforts, on Monday, March 24, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.  The victim’s name is not being released at this time.  During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Michael Martin as the suspect responsible for the homicide.  On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Martin was arrested and transported to Hemet PD and then to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he was booked for homicide and held on a $1,000,000 bail.