Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Deirdre Vickers
File # GH240240001
Details:
On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 7:16 p.m., officers from the Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force were in the area of Whittier Avenue and Girard Street, Hemet, when they contacted a wanted felon possibly armed with a handgun inside of a vehicle. Officers gave commands for the suspect to surrender, but the suspect failed to comply and fled at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. Officers pursued the suspect through the Hemet area onto northbound Highway 79. The vehicle became disabled in the area of Veile Avenue and Fourth Street in the city of Beaumont, where the suspect ran from the vehicle. Officers pursued the suspect on foot behind an industrial complex in the 500 block of B Street. During the foot pursuit, the suspect presented a handgun and an officer-involved shooting occurred.
The suspect was struck by gunfire, and officers rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition.
The involved Hemet Police Officers and California Highway Patrol Officer assigned to the task force will be placed on paid administrative leave according to their agencies’ policy. The names of the involved officers will not be released at this time.
An investigator from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Riverside County Force Investigations Detail will lead this investigation. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Martin Alfaro or Riverside County District Attorney Investigator JR Ferrer at 951-955-2700.
For media inquiries regarding this incident, please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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