Online Sexual Predator Investigation
Hemet Police Department, in collaboration with the Hemet Unified School District, immediately began conducting an independent investigation into the allegations of an online sexual predator.
News Releases
Officers Warn Others of Approaching Tropical Storm
Hemet, Calif. – In preparation for Hurricane Hilary, the Hemet Police Department has sent officers to washes and drainage areas throughout the city where transient encampments may be found. The officers are there to warn anyone staying in locations designed for flood control to be aware of the approaching tropical storm expected to reach Hemet sometime over the weekend. All homeless persons in these locations will be offered assistance and told to vacate the area to prevent being caught in a flash flood.
Use of Force Charges Filed Against Hemet Police Officer
Hemet, Calif. — On July 23, 2023, the Hemet Police Department became aware of a use of force involving one of its Officers, which left one person with significant injuries. During this incident, Police Officer Jacob Hobson approached a group behind a gas station on the 1700 block of West Florida Avenue and determined a female in the group had an outstanding felony warrant. The officer initiated an arrest. However, the female initially resisted his efforts to place her in handcuffs. A subsequent use of force occurred, and the woman was seriously injured while being taken into custody.
Pedestrian Safety Operations
During August and September, the Hemet Police Department’s Traffic Bureau has organized several enforcement operations focusing on pedestrian safety. Motor Officers will be paying particular attention to vehicle code violations related to pedestrian safety. Additionally, they will focus on high pedestrian traffic areas such as schools and shopping plazas.
Stabbing Investigation
On Friday, July 7, 2023, at approximately 9:28 pm, the Hemet Public Safety Communication Center received a 911 call stating his mother was just stabbed by her boyfriend near the 1400 block of East Menlo Avenue. As officers arrived on scene, it was determined there were two victims that the same male suspect had stabbed.
Search Warrants Lead to Stolen Property
On Thursday, June 29, 2023, two search warrants were served on residences in Hemet regarding burglaries and vandalisms at several Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) locations.
The burglaries and vandalism were caught on HUSD video surveillance, leading investigators to identify several suspects. The damage and loss of school property was extensive, and the estimated cost to repair and replace school property is estimated to be over $100,000.
Pedestrian Killed in Traffic Collision
On Saturday, July 1st, 2023, at approximately 12:56 AM, officers from the Hemet Police Department responded to a traffic collision on Florida Avenue near Harvard Street in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers, Hemet Fire Department, and American Medical Response (AMR) arrived on scene and discovered a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Public safety personnel immediately attempted life-saving measures, but the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries.
Two Arrested for Carjacking
Hemet, Calif. — On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at approximately 12:27 pm, the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a call regarding a carjacking in the 1200 block of South Sanderson Avenue in Hemet. A witness described two males pushing an elderly female, taking her keys, and stealing her Toyota pickup truck.
Share the Road and Look Out for One Another During Bicycle Safety Month
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Hemet Police Department is encouraging more people to get active and safely take bike rides.
“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Traffic Sergeant Gabriel Gomez said. “Let’s look out for one another and share the road, share the responsibility.”
Hemet Police Department Launches Drone as a First Responder Program
The Hemet Police Department launched a new Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Program to enhance its law enforcement capabilities. The DFR program will use small, remotely operated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also commonly referred to as drones, to provide law enforcement with critical information as they respond to calls for service and emergencies.
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.
Hemet police are cracking down on retail theft
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, The Hemet Police Department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Team conducted an Organized Retail Theft Operation at Harbor Freight in the City of Hemet.