Organized Retail Theft

On Tuesday, February 17th 2026, at approximately 3:08 A.M., Hemet Police Communications Center received a call regarding a traffic collision that occurred in the area of Sanderson Avenue and Florida Avenue, in the City of Hemet. Hemet Police Officers arrived on scene and located a white Volkswagen sedan and a silver Honda that were involved in the collision. The driver of the Honda fled the location prior to officers’ arrival, and the driver of the Volkswagen was unresponsive. Officers began rendering aid to the unresponsive driver until they were relieved by medical personnel. The unresponsive driver was later transported to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased. The driver who fled the scene was located a short distance from the scene of the collision and taken into custody.

Based on these circumstances, the Hemet Police Department Traffic Bureau responded to the scene of the collision and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the white Volkswagen was traveling west on Florida Avenue, approaching Sanderson Avenue, when the driver attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by the silver Honda. Impaired driving does appear to be a factor, and the identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The 3200 block of eastbound Florida Avenue was closed from approximately 03:08 am to 07:30 am.

If you witnessed this collision or have any helpful information for Traffic Investigators, you are urged to contact Officer Reineke at (951)765-2400 and reference file #2026-01240.