On Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 4:59 PM, Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop at Ramsey Street and Sunset Avenue in the city of Banning. During the traffic stop it was discovered the driver, Jason Hammer a 42-year-old resident of the city of Banning, was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Gang Task Force Officers then conducted a search of the vehicle where they located a loaded 9mm handgun under Hammer’s seat along with narcotics. Additionally, Hammer is a documented criminal street gang member and a convicted felon.
Hammer was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of narcotics while armed, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
The Riverside County Gang Task Force is a collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies with the goal of combating criminal street gangs. The San Gorgonio Special Operations Regional Gang Task Force is one of six teams which compose the Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force. The San Gorgonio Special Operations Gang Task Force is staffed with members from the Banning Police Department, Beaumont Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle