A drive-by shooter targeted a group of five young men in Hemet early Friday morning where one was fatally injured and another took a gunshot to the face, police said. Tony Shin reports for the NBC4 News on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.
An 18-year-old man was killed and a 17-year boy was shot in the cheek Friday in a drive-by shooting in Hemet and residents were outraged by the violence.
The drama began Friday afternoon in the 200 block of South Western Avenue, police said. Officers found the teen bleeding with a severe graze on his left cheek.
The 17-year-old victim jumped over a fence and into the yard of America Eudave to escape the gunman.
"He looked like he was going to be traumatized," Eudave said. "He was really scared."
The bullet went through the victim's left cheek and was lodged in his face.
Police found the body of the 18 year old in a nearby storm drain. He had a gunshot wound in his back, officials said.
Residents the latest incident follows a trend of increased violence in Hemet.
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"Basically I've lived here all my life and to see this all happening in the last few years is really heartbreaking," Hemet resident Clarissa Buchanan said.
Hemet Chief of Police David Brown said his department has about 65 sworn officers, but he needs more. He also blames early release programs like Assembly Bill 109 for adding more criminals to his streets. But he says voters can make a big change on Election Day by voting for measure U, a one percent sales tax.
"We would go from 65 sworn officers to 108 sworn officers in four years and while that may seem outrageous, it's only a little higher than 10 years ago," he said.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hemet Police Departmetn at 951-765-2400.
