HEMET, Calif. — One person is dead and another is in custody following a two-vehicle collision early Tuesday morning in Hemet, authorities said.
Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision at approximately 3:08 a.m. in the area of Sanderson Avenue and Florida Avenue. Upon arrival, police discovered a white Volkswagen sedan and a silver Honda had collided.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Hemet Police Department Traffic Bureau, the white Volkswagen was traveling west on Florida Avenue and attempting to make a U-turn near Sanderson Avenue when it was struck by the silver Honda.
Police said the driver of the Honda fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. They were located a short distance away and taken into custody.
The driver of the Volkswagen was found unresponsive inside their vehicle. Officers rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived and took over. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators indicated that impaired driving appears to be a factor in the crash.
The collision forced the closure of the 3200 block of eastbound Florida Avenue for several hours while officers investigated the scene. The roadway was reopened at approximately 7:30 a.m.
If you witnessed this collision or have any helpful information for Traffic Investigators, you are urged to contact Officer Reineke at (951)765-2400 and reference file #2026-01240
