Hemet PD, RSO officials investigate report of suspicious device
A robot used by Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team members is prepared to inspect the suspicious device. Ricardo Ruelas / Hemet News photo
HEMET – Fears of a possible explosive device found in the 3100 block of West Florida Avenue, near the intersection of Sanderson Avenue, prompted a large response from law enforcement personnel, Monday, June 13. Officials later determined the device was drug-related paraphernalia and posed no threat to the public.
The item was later described as a piece of PVC pipe with two end caps attached to it, which resembled a pipe bomb or some other form of explosive device. It was found between the old Coco’s restaurant and Banner Mattress.
The Hemet Police Dispatch Center received a 911 phone tip shortly before 3:30 p.m. about the suspicious looking device.
Riverside County Hazardous Device Team members prepare to assist Hemet Police officers investigating what was believed to be a pipe bomb. Ricardo Ruelas / Hemet News photo
City of Hemet Police officers and Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team spent several hours at the scene as they used a robot to cautiously check the device. After a robot was used to inspect the pipe, law enforcement officials determined it was a homemade device used to extract THC from marijuana.
Florida Avenue was closed in both directions during their investigation.
Aric Bell with James Anderson reporting for Hemet Valley Incidents
Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Hazardous Device Team assisted Hemet Police in investigating the suspicious looking device that turned out to be drug related paraphernalia. Ricardo Ruelas / Hemet News
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