Hemet resident arrested after vehicle and foot pursuit
The stolen Chevy Tahoe Moreno fled from pursuing officers in. Aric Bell photo
HEMET – A man was arrested after he allegedly led Hemet Police Officers on a short vehicle pursuit and foot chase August 12. The incident and pursuit began in the Hemet Valley Mobile Estates in the 500 block of N. Gilbert Street in Hemet.
After the pursuit, officers arrested Philip Adam Moreno, 34, of Hemet for several felony charges. Moreno was later determined to be a wanted parolee with a warrant for his arrest.
City of Hemet emergency dispatchers received a call at about 10:30 a.m. regarding a Hispanic male, later identified as Moreno, who had just arrived at the trailer park in a stolen SUV. The vehicle was described as a black Chevrolet Tahoe with no license plates.
As the first officers arrived at the mobile home park Moreno saw them, jumped into the SUV, and fled from the area. Moreno reportedly tried to ram one of the police vehicles at the entrance of the park. The officer was able to narrowly avoid a collision by swerving out of the way of the oncoming SUV.
Officers bringing Moreno out after he first fled in a vehicle and then on foot, before fighting with officers trying to take him into custody. Aric Bell photo
Moreno fled south on Tahquitz Street and into a parking lot in the 800 block of W. Florida Avenue. Moreno jumped out of the still-moving vehicle and ran across Florida Avenue into an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in the 700 block of W. Florida Avenue.
Officers converged on the business and surrounded the building before they began searching the interior. Officers quickly located Moreno hiding inside the store.
Rather than be arrested peacefully, Moreno refused to be taken into custody and fought with the officers as they attempted to arrest him.
Officers eventually overpowered Moreno and he was taken into custody.
During their subsequent investigation officers determined that the SUV Moreno had fled in had been reported stolen from Santa Ana August 3. Officers also learned that Moreno had an active warrant for his arrest for violation of parole.
After his arrest, Moreno was taken to a local hospital for treatment for injuries he received while resisting arrest. He was later transported to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility.
Philip Moreno hurled insults and threats at those witnessing his arrest. Aric Bell photo
A jail record search revealed Moreno was booked on suspicion of felony evasion, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, resisting arrest, possession of stolen property, and a warrant for violation of parole.
He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at an unspecified court Aug. 16.
Anyone with information this incident or arrest is encouraged to contact Hemet Police officials at (951) 765-2400. Callers can remain anonymous.
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