Hemet City Council to consider emergency action to fortify buildings

In the wake of attacks against Hemet police officers, the City Council will consider a resolution next week to take emergency measures to "harden" city buildings against violence.

A council resolution cites law enforcement intelligence indicating that city buildings are the likely targets of attacks. A primary target is the Police Department headquarters, according to city documents.

"Intelligence reports indicate that the police facility is the likely focus of future criminal acts," Capt. Dave Brown wrote in a memo to council members. "Immediate action is required to harden these facilities."

No specific suspects have been named. But last month, authorities led raids on the Vagos outlaw motorcycle gang, which was described as an "extreme threat" to law enforcement. The group has a large  presence in Hemet. Thirty people were arrested on charges that included possession of drugs and weapons.

In recent months, the attacks have involved booby traps set up at the headquarters of the Hemet-San Jacinto Gang Task Force, officials said. In December, a gas utility line was redirected to fill the offices with gas. Officials said a  spark could have triggered a devastating explosion.

In February, a modified handgun was hidden by the gate to the task force office and rigged to fire. When a gang officer opened the gate, the weapon went off, narrowly missing him.

Then in early March, police said, a "dangerous" device was found near the unmarked car of a task force member. That was followed the arson of several city trucks on March 23.

The council will take up the matter Tuesday at its regularly scheduled meeting. If approved, city officials could immediately begin awarding non-bid contracts to fortify areas such as public lobbies in city buildings.

--Robert J. Lopez

Photo: Investigators at the scene where several Hemet city trucks were set ablaze last month. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Joe Mama Bush]

I still think the police attacked them selves for federal cash to assist during cash strapped times. If that building had blown up with the gas line attached. I would not be saying such. Does not add up. The Vagos street dealers are not that sophisticated. But gang task force is.

[Katie69]

People all over the U.S. & the world are praying for your safety & protection. Thank you to the police officers that try to protect law abiding citizens from those who believe themselves to be above the law. God bless & keep you all.