Officers investigating after gun-wielding Hemet trio robs man

HEMET — Officials in Hemet are searching for a trio of males who allegedly robbed a man of his personal belongings Saturday, Nov. 24. The alleged suspects were not located or arrested after the armed robbery, which happened in the area of E. Florida Ave. and N. Mayflower St.

LEADING THE RCNS HEADLINES:

UPDATE: Two SJ valley men arrested after neighborhood fight leads to fatal shooting

UPDATE: Injured 2 weeks ago in Aguanga crash, Temecula nurse dies, ID’d

Two hospitalized after Hemet crash

Hemet PD was first notified of Saturday evening’s robbery around 6:50 p.m., and during their investigation learned three black males, all around the ages of 18 to 20, had approached the victim and demanded his cash, wallet, and cellular telephone. One of the trio was armed with a handgun and the victim complied, giving the suspects everything they asked for.

After robbing the victim the three males – who were all wearing dark-colored hoodies – fled on foot, running southbound on Mayflower St. toward Maryvale Ln.

Although officials have not made any official connection between two recent similar robberies, Saturday night’s robbery left many wondering if the trio were the same suspects responsible for an armed robbery of a Hemet Auto Zone three night’s earlier, Wednesday, Nov. 21.

During that robbery, two 18 to 20-year-old males wearing dark-colored hoodies and blue bandanas over their faces were armed with an “AR-15” style rifle and made away with $1,200. They were last seen fleeing on foot from the business and despite officers searching the area, were not located that evening.

The two similarly brazen robberies so soon after each other have left many area residents once again afraid to leave their homes, for fear of falling victims to the young, armed thugs who seem intent on terrorizing valley victims at whatever cost.

Long-time Hemet resident Andrew Everly was one of many who chimed in on social media with his opinion after hearing of the robberies; writing on social media, “I remember growing up here when it was safe to be anywhere in this city and everyone knew each other.”

Many others agreed with Everly, with 63-year San Jacinto resident Beverly DeAnson writing, “Living in this valley has become a daily gamble with our lives. I’d say it’s not safe to go outside after dark anymore – but in reality, we’re not even safe inside our own homes in the middle of the day.”

“I would move in a heartbeat if I could, but on my limited retirement income that’s just not a possibility,” DeAnson continued.

See related: Officials search for rifle-wielding pair after Hemet robbery

Another life-long area resident, 73-year-old Dianna Lovington, who contacted RCNS directly said, “Something real has to change or Hemet is going to become just like every other run-down ghetto that once was a safe haven for retirees and families, but has become a nightmare for those who, like me, now feel trapped here.”

“Please (Hemet and San Jacinto PD) officers, listen to us elderly and hear our pleas for better law enforcement protection against these damned filthy animals who prey on us daily,” continued Lovington.

“Because sooner or later vigilante justice is going to become the norm around here and people are inevitably going to lose their lives,” lamented Lovington, who admitted never leaving her home without her own handgun. “But better them than me.”

Hemet PD is investigating both armed robberies and have asked that anyone with information about either incident call them at (951) 765-3400. Callers can remain anonymous.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 47, moved last year to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, The Valley Chronicle, and Anza Valley Outlook; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 28 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 15 – but soon to be 16 – grandchildren.