Hemet, Calif. — On Monday, February 6, 2023, at about 3:41 pm, the Hemet Police Dispatch Center began receiving calls about a traffic collision that had just occurred in the intersection of Cawston Ave. and Devonshire Ave. in the City of Hemet. The initial callers reported that two vehicles were involved and that at least two people were unconscious. Hemet Police and Fire Department units immediately responded to the location. Upon their arrival, public safety personnel learned that one of the vehicles, a gray Toyota Prius, was on fire. The other involved vehicle, a black Ford Escape, was found next to the Prius. The Hemet Fire Department extinguished the fire while medical aid was provided to the involved parties.
There were three subjects in the vehicles: one male driver in the Prius and two people, a male driver and a female passenger, in the Escape. All three subjects were transported to local hospitals for injuries, with the female from the Escape being listed in critical condition. The female passenger from the Escape succumbed to her injuries at the hospital later Monday evening. The name of the female is being withheld pending coroner notification.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Escape was driving southbound in the southbound lane of Cawston, approaching Devonshire, and the Prius was driving northbound in the northbound lane of Cawston. At some point before or in the intersection of Cawston and Devonshire, the Prius continued northbound on Cawston but entered into the southbound lane, colliding with the Escape in a head-on collision. Both vehicles came to rest on Cawston, just north of Devonshire. Based on evidence located at the scene, it is believed that the speed of the Prius is very likely to be a factor in this collision. At this time, it is unknown if intoxication played a role in this collision; however, the investigation is ongoing.
If you witnessed the collision or have any information that may help investigators, contact Corporal Tim McGinnis at (951) 765-2400.