Hemet, California – 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.
The investigation revealed that the driver of the passenger vehicle was traveling westbound on Acacia Avenue and collided with the City of Hemet Utility truck that was parked on the side of the road.
Due to the collision involving an on-duty City of Hemet vehicle, California Highway Patrol – San Gorgonio Pass Office responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The driver of the passenger vehicle remained on scene and was later detained. This investigation is ongoing but the driver has been arrested for charges related to DUI.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Torres with the California Highway Patrol – San Gorgonio Pass Office at (951)846-5300 or jonathan.torres@CHP.CA.GOV