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450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
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News Releases

STATEWIDE BLITZ

STATEWIDE BLITZ

During the final shopping days leading up to Christmas, multiple California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, participated in a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at combating organized retail theft and promoting a safe shopping environment throughout the state.

The collaborative statewide retail theft blitz occurred on Friday, December 19, 2025, and resulted in 66 arrests for organized retail theft and related offenses. Law enforcement agencies also recovered more than 552 stolen items, with an estimated value of $14,050.86.

The statewide blitz was coordinated by the California Highway Patrol, in collaboration with the Hemet Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, Chino Police Department, San Diego Police Department, and the Orange County and Riverside County District Attorney’s Offices.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 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.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

Hemet pd K9s Argo and Bosco to get donation of body armor

Hemet Police Department, CA, K9s Argo and Bosco will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Both vests were sponsored by Ginny Johnson of Prineville, OR and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

Arrests made following assault on school campus

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Campus Security at West Valley High School reported a physical altercation involving multiple students on campus.  The School Resource Officer assigned to the high school, who was on campus, immediately responded.

The involved students were quickly separated, and one student received immediate medical attention at the school for minor injuries.  This student was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and was released the same day.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

HPD awarded $105,000 Grant to Increase Safety on Roads

The Hemet Police Department announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2026.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

Hemet PD Forms Partnership to Combat Mail Theft

The City of Hemet is proud to announce a new partnership between the Hemet Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) through a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes the Inland Empire Financial Crimes Task Force.

This joint effort strengthens the City’s ability to combat financial fraud, identity theft, mail theft, counterfeit securities, and related crimes, offenses that impact residents, businesses, and the integrity of local commerce.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

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.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

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

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.

STATEWIDE BLITZ

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.

OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER

This week, on December 17th and 18th, law enforcement agencies from across Riverside County will take part in the annual “Operation Holiday Cheer” – a festive event honoring the hard work and sacrifice of healthcare professionals during the holiday season. Now in its fifth year, the all-day trek has grown significantly to include nearly 60 law enforcement agencies from seven counties across the state – as well as Santa Claus and other holiday guests – who will visit over 40 hospitals and cover an area of more than 28,000 miles. Participating agencies from Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties will gather outside local hospitals, filling parking lots with lights, sirens, and holiday cheer to show appreciation to their fellow first responders and bring smiles to patients needing a little extra holiday spirit.

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 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.