Hemet, CA – On Sunday, March 9, 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.
The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was involved in a physical altercation with another subject prior to officer arrival. During that altercation, the suspect broke out several car windows and assaulted that subject, causing a head injury. The suspect has been arrested for the following charges: 664/187 PC, 245(a)(1) PC, 594(a)(2) PC, 2800.2(a) VC, 2800.3(a) VC, 2800.4(a) VC, and 1203.2(a) PC.
Investigators discovered the suspect was just released on Tuesday, March 4th after completing a sentence where he plead guilty to a prior evading and stolen vehicle charges.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident can contact Investigator Rabago at (951)765-2426 or provide anonymous information through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users. Anonymous tips are always accepted.