Firing range fire could be arson

HEMET — Law enforcement officials are investigating what appears to be a fifth attack aimed at police.

Officials confirmed that a police firing range in a remote area off Warren Road burned early Monday. An investigation into whether the blaze was intentionally set and if it was related to four previous attacks on Hemet officers and city property is ongoing.

Two-thirds of the building at the firing range, which is not visible from the roadway, was destroyed in the blaze.

Hemet police, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Riverside County arson investigators combed what was left of the structure Monday morning.

The attacks have gained national attention and that of state Attorney General Jerry Brown, who held a press conference last month to announce further investigations. A $200,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the attacks on Hemet police.

In recent weeks, the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Gang Task force initiated a raid on a motorcycle gang, likely in response to the attacks that took place on Dec. 31, Feb. 23, March 5 and March 23.

Those attacks include:

• Dec. 31: A gas line was rerouted through the roof of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Gang Task Force building.

• Feb. 23: A gun was booby-trapped to the same office’s gate, firing a bullet and missing an officer.

• March 5: A deadly device was attached to the bottom of an unmarked gang officer’s car at his home. It fell off at a gas station.

• March 23: Four city code enforcement trucks were torched at Hemet City Hall.