January 19, 2022 - The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reports on Tuesday, January 18th, 2022, about 11:36 P.M., deputies and officers from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office-Gang Impact Team (GIT) were conducting surveillance of a suspect related to the distribution of illegal Fentanyl at a business in the 2600 block of W Florida Avenue in Hemet.

Several deputies and officers attempted to contact the suspect, but he fled on foot through the parking lot. While fleeing the scene, the suspect was armed with a firearm. Attempts to disarm him by using less-lethal munitions were not successful, which led to a deputy and officer-involved shooting. The suspect was struck with gunfire and officers immediately began life-saving measures. Paramedics from Hemet Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived on scene and continued life-saving efforts, but the suspect was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene. The identity of the suspect will not be released pending next of kin notification.

The suspect’s firearm was located at the scene. There is no threat to the public and there are no outstanding suspects.

The following agencies were involved in the deputy and officer-involved shooting: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Hemet Police Department, and Riverside Police Department. The involved deputies and officers will be placed on paid administrative leave per their Department policies. The names of the involved deputies and officers will not be released at this time.

An investigator from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will lead this investigation, aided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Force Investigations Detail. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Felipe Munoz at 951-922-7624 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Investigator Dan Moody at 951-955-2777.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Department