On February 25, 2026, deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to a shooting report in the 25000 block of Florida Avenue. The victim was inside his vehicle when it was struck by gunfire, but no injuries were reported. Deputies searched the area but did not find the suspect at that time.
Through their investigation, deputies identified Juan Carlos Zambrano, a 21-year-old resident of Hemet, as the suspect. On February 26, Zambrano was located near Mountain Avenue and Old Mountain Avenue in Hemet and taken into custody without incident.
Deputies later served a search warrant at a residence on Palm Avenue in Hemet. Evidence related to the case was collected from both the location and Zambrano’s vehicle. Zambrano was arrested and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on charges including attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm in a negligent manner.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details. “Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Matthew Zepeda at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station at (951) 791–3400.”
For media inquiries about this incident, contact should be made with the Media Information Bureau.
Individuals interested in careers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department can apply online at joinrso.org
