HEMET, CA – A domestic dispute in Hemet, California, escalated into a deadly shootout late Tuesday night, resulting in the fatal shooting of a suspect by local law enforcement. The incident began with a call to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office regarding a physical altercation involving family members. A woman was injured in the dispute but her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station arrived at the scene and attempted to engage with the suspect at the front door of the residence. The suspect, however, was uncooperative and closed the door on the officers. Soon after, the suspect, donned in body armor and wielding an assault rifle, began firing at the deputies from inside the house, as reported by Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.
The suspect then exited the house, continuing his assault on the deputies. One or more deputies returned fire, striking the suspect.
Deputies administered first aid to the suspect until the arrival of paramedics. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. No deputies were harmed during the incident.
The woman injured in the initial dispute received treatment at the scene. The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, as per department policy. The identities of the deputy and the suspect remain undisclosed.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail are conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting. They are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Investigator Mario Moreno or Master Investigator Martin Alfaro at 951-955-2777.