Up to $60,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral

450 E. Latham Ave.
Hemet, CA 92543

Non-Emergency:  (951) 765-2400
Emergency – Dial 911

Organized Retail Theft

Hemet police conduct successful retail theft operation

OPERATION HOLIDAY WATCH

During the final shopping days before Christmas, several California law enforcement agencies, including the Hemet Police Department, coordinated a successful enforcement operation targeting organized retail crime and promoting a safe shopping environment for communities throughout California. 

The collaborative statewide retail theft crackdown on Friday, December 20, 2024 resulted in 117 arrests, the recovery of over $38,000 in stolen merchandise, the seizure of two illegal firearms, and the recovery of three stolen vehicles.  The charges range from petty theft, grand theft, organized retail theft, felon in possession of a firearm and auto theft.

Hemet police conduct successful retail theft operation

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.

officer injured during pursuit

Hemet, CA – On Sunday, March 9th, 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.

fatal stabbing investigation

Hemet, California – On Friday, February 21, 2025, at about 10:25 pm, Hemet Police Officers responded to the 100 block of North Hamilton Avenue, Hemet in regards to a stabbing that had just occurred.  The reporting party informed dispatch his friend was stabbed. 

When Officers arrived on scene they located a 15-year-old male with a stab wound.  Officers provided lifesaving measures until relieved by medical personnel who transported the victim to a local trauma center for further medical treatment. 

Despite lifesaving efforts, on Tuesday, March 4, 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.  The Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is handling the investigation.