Tip about couple breaking into Hemet postal boxes leads to weapons, narcotics arrest

HEMET – Following an early-morning tip about two people who were possibly breaking into community mailboxes, Hemet Police officers arrested one of the two alleged suspects after they discovered she was in possession of a loaded shotgun and narcotics. The incident happened Thursday, June 2, in the area of Taft Avenue and Buchanan Street, in Hemet.

Teresa Barnum was arrested after being found to be in possession of loaded shotgun, methamphetamine.

At the end of their investigation, officers arrested one of the two subjects, identified as Teresa Katherine Barnum, 46, of San Jacinto.

The male, who has not been identified, was released at the conclusion of the officers investigation.

Hemet Police officers responded to the residential neighborhood at about 2:30 a.m., after a concerned citizen observed what they thought to be suspicious behavior. The 911 caller believed the pair was possibly attempting to break into a community mailbox.

Responding officers contacted Barnum and a male subject she was with. During a subsequent search, officers discovered Barnum was in possession of the loaded shotgun. Officers also discovered Barnum was in possession of methamphetamine.

Officers arrested Barnum and transported her to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of possession fo a controlled substance, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm. All are felony charges. 

A jail records search revealed she was being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. Her next court date is scheduled for June 15.