450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543
Non-Emergency: (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911
Hemet, Ca. — The Hemet Police Department is thrilled to announce an unprecedented opportunity for experienced law enforcement professionals! In an effort to attract top-notch talent and strengthen our commitment to public safety, we are proud to offer a generous $60,000 hiring bonus to qualifying lateral police officers and deputies.
Hemet, California – On Friday, March 21, 2025, at about 2:27 am, Hemet Fire responded to the 300 block of E. Florida Avenue, Hemet in regards to an unconscious male in the parking lot. The male subject was transported to a local trauma center for further treatment.
At 4:02 hours, Hemet Police dispatch received a call from the hospital stating the male subject sustained major trauma to his head. Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau was notified and assumed the investigation. Detectives determined that the victim was assaulted and left unconscious before the call for medical assistance was made.
Despite lifesaving efforts, on Monday, March 24, 2025, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim’s name is not being released at this time. During the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Michael Martin as the suspect responsible for the homicide. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Martin was arrested and transported to Hemet PD and then to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he was booked for homicide and held on a $1,000,000 bail.
The Hemet Police Department has successfully apprehended two suspects linked to a series of graffiti vandalism incidents that have plagued local businesses and public property over the past several weeks. On March 11, 2025, while conducting encampment enforcement along Florida Avenue, detectives from the AERO (Active Engagement Response and Outreach for our Community) Team obtained critical information regarding individuals responsible for the widespread “LMN” graffiti appearing throughout the city. The investigation led detectives to a local hotel, where they contacted the primary adult suspect.
During their contact, detectives discovered a significant amount of evidence directly linking him to the ongoing graffiti vandalism. Additionally, detectives seized 22.12 grams of methamphetamine and 1.84 grams of fentanyl, along with other evidence indicating narcotic sales. Initial estimates for damages caused by the tagging spree exceed $4,000 in just the past few weeks.
