On November 9, 2021, at 5:58 a.m., deputies from the Hemet Station responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 26400 block of Columbia St., in unincorporated Hemet. Upon arrival, they found a male in front of a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical aid was provided, and the victim was transported to a local hospital. Deputies secured the area as a crime scene, and investigators from Hemet Station began the investigation. The victim underwent emergency surgery, and later succumbed from his injuries. The victim in this case was identified as Gabriel Lozano, 35 years of Hemet. No further details will be released at this time.
The Central Homicide Unit was requested and assumed the investigation. Members of the Gang Impact Team later located and detained the suspect in the 1200 block of N. State St., around 6:00 p.m. The suspect was identified as Kelvin Smith, 29 years of Hemet. Smith was arrested for murder and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
This is an active investigation and no additional details will be provided. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Mendoza at (951) 955-2777 or Hemet Station Investigator Martinez at (951) 791-3400.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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