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450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

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

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 TRAFFIC COLLISION

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Hemet, Ca. – On Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, at approximately 10:50 am, Hemet Police Communications Center began receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a traffic collision that occurred in the 1100 block of N. Sanderson Avenue. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located an unresponsive driver in a Red 2005 Toyota that had collided with a pole. The driver was declared deceased at the scene of the collision.

The Hemet Police Department’s Traffic Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the investigation which is still on-going. Sanderson Avenue was closed at Eaton Avenue to Esplanade Avenue from approximately 10:55 am to 3:00 pm.

If you witnessed this collision or have any helpful information for Traffic Investigators, you are urged to contact Corporal C. Nicot with the Hemet Police Department at (951)765-2400 or cnicot@hemetca.gov and reference file number 2025-04904.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Fake motor officer arrested

On Monday, July 21, 2025, at approximately 2:21 P.M., a Hemet Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a motorcyclist who was observed committing multiple vehicle code violations while activating emergency lights.

Upon contact, the rider, identified as Marshal Goodnight, was found wearing a uniform closely resembling a local law enforcement agency, along with a duty belt and what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol.

For officer safety, Goodnight was detained and disarmed during the initial contact. A further search revealed Goodnight was in possession of two taser electronic control devices, an ASP baton, and a container of OC spray. Both electronic weapons were function tested and found to be operational.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Retail theft Ring bust

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.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

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.

Think twice before you light it

Think twice before you light it

As Independence Day approaches, the Hemet Police Department is reminding the community that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Hemet, under Ordinance No. 1850. This includes possession, sale, use, or distribution of any fireworks, safe and sane or otherwise.

Every year, our Communications Center is flooded with hundreds of complaints related to illegal fireworks, ranging from excessive noise and property damage to frightened pets and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Fireworks not only disrupt neighborhoods but also pose serious risks of fire, injury, and death.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

HEMET POLICE TO CONDUCT DUI SAFETY CHECKPOINT

The Hemet Police Department will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, July 11th, 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.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Fatal Traffic Collision

On Sunday June 22nd ,2025 at approximately 2102 hours, Hemet Police Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding a traffic collision that occurred in the area of State Street and Chambers Street, in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene and located a silver Toyota Sedan and a small compact Kia that were involved in the collision. The driver of the Kia was unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Additional passengers inside the Kia were immediately transported to a local hospital for further treatment, however one of the passengers also succumbed to their injuries sustained during the collision. The driver of the Toyota was also transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and is cooperative with the investigation.

FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION

Hemet PD Announces Closure of Diamond Inn Hotel

On June 3, 2025, The Hemet Police Department, through its dedicated Quality of Life team known as AERO (Active Engagement, Response, and Outreach), along with City Code Enforcement Officers, conducted an inspection at the Diamond Inn Hotel because the water service had been shut off at the location.

Following a thorough investigation, numerous violations of health and safety codes and city ordinances were also identified. As a result, the entire hotel has been deemed uninhabitable, and all occupants were required to vacate the premises. The city has requested City Net to provide resources and assistance to individuals affected by this closure.

Pedestrian Killed in Traffic Collision

Hemet, CA.- On Saturday, August 30th , 2025, at approximately 09:03 PM, Hemet Police Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle, in the area of Lyon Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene and located an unresponsive pedestrian down in the roadway. Officers began rendering aid to the pedestrian until they were relieved by medical personnel. Despite these life saving measures, the pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. The driver involved in this collision also remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. 

Fatal Traffic Collision

Hemet, CA – On Friday, August 29th, 2025, at approximately 8:36 p.m., the Hemet Police Department responded to the area of State Street and Chambers Avenue regarding a report of a traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers determined that a small motorcycle had been involved in a collision with a Hemet Fire Department engine. Emergency personnel immediately rendered life-saving measures to the rider of the motorcycle; however, despite their efforts, the individual tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The California Highway Patrol responded and has assumed responsibility for conducting the full investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol at (951) 846-5300 or the Hemet Police Department at (951) 765-2400.