Fire Linked To Attacks On Hemet Law Enforcement

An early morning fire at the Hemet Police Department’s property and evidence building is believed to be an act of arson and could be linked to several other attacks on law enforcement in Hemet.

The fire broke out at just after 2 a.m. Monday at the evidence building on Devonshire Avenue, right behind the police department’s main headquarters.

Investigators suspect arson was the cause because the fire comes in the wake of six other attacks on the police department, the Hemet-San Jacinto Gang Task Force Unit or city property. The attacks began on New Year’s Eve and while investigators have been working around the clock on the cases, they have yet to identify any suspects. “We’re assuming it’s somebody that either felt like the gang task force treated them unfairly or the police department treated them unfairly or maybe they were arrested and have a criminal case pending thinking they can do some damage this way.” Said Lt. Duane Wisehart of the Hemet Police Department.

The evidence building suffered significant damage, but its too early to tell if any crucial case evidence was lost.

The Hemet Police Department is offering a $200,000 dollar reward for information regarding the wave of violence directed toward law enforcement.