HEMET, CA — The Hemet Police Department recently investigated a fatal two-vehicle traffic collision that occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. According to a department press release, the Hemet Police Communications Center received a report of the incident at approximately 3:08 a.m. in the area of Sanderson Avenue and Florida Avenue.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located two vehicles involved in the collision: a white Volkswagen sedan and a silver Honda. The driver of the Volkswagen was found unresponsive, while the driver of the Honda had left the location prior to the arrival of authorities. Officers provided medical aid to the unresponsive driver until relieved by emergency medical personnel. The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Their identity is currently being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Honda was located by officers a short distance from the crash site and taken into custody. The Hemet Police Department Traffic Bureau assumed the investigation and determined through a preliminary assessment that the Volkswagen was traveling west on Florida Avenue toward Sanderson Avenue. The collision occurred when the driver of the Volkswagen attempted to perform a U-turn and was struck by the Honda.
Investigators stated that impaired driving appears to be a factor in the collision. Following the incident, the 3200 block of eastbound Florida Avenue remained closed to traffic from approximately 3:08 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. for scene processing and evidence collection. The investigation remains ongoing, and the department has requested that anyone with information regarding the collision contact Officer Reineke at (951) 765-2400, referencing file #2026-01240.
