From Hemet Police Department Press Release:
Hemet, CA. – On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at approximately 9:25 pm, Hemet Police Officers responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision near the intersection of Florida Avenue and San Jacinto Street.
Officers arrived and located a male subject in the roadway that had been struck by at least one vehicle. Medical aid was provided however; the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The driver(s) of the vehicle(s), that collided with the pedestrian fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.
The Hemet Police Traffic Investigation Bureau was called out to take over the investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian had previously been in the parking lot of a liquor store on the south side of Florida Ave., east of San Jacinto St. The pedestrian then walked northeast into the eastbound lane Florida Ave., and continued walking northeast into the westbound lanes of Florida Ave. The pedestrian was ultimately struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Florida Ave., just east of San Jacinto St. The vehicle that struck the pedestrian stopped briefly and then drove away – possibly north on San Jacinto St.
It is believed that the pedestrian may have been struck by a second vehicle that also did not stop. At the time of the collision, the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk and was crossing against east and west traffic that had a green signal. Alcohol is believed to be a factor with the pedestrian however; it is not known if drugs or alcohol played a role with either of the drivers.
The pedestrian has not yet been identified and is described as a Hispanic male, possibly in his 40’s. The first vehicle to strike the pedestrian is believed to be a dark colored, late model sedan – possibly a Dodge. There is no information on the second vehicle at this time and it is not yet known if it actually struck the pedestrian.
The westbound lanes of Florida Ave. between Girard and San Jacinto St. were closed for several hours as officers conducted their investigation.
If you witnessed the collision or the pedestrian’s behavior prior to the collision, or if you have any information which may help investigators locate the suspect(s), you are urged to contact The Hemet Police Department at (951) 765-2400.
