Hemet Police Officer Prevents Murder
On Friday, January 4, Hemet Police Officer Cunningham was patrolling the 200 block of W Stetson Ave when a vehicle turned in front of him and nearly rammed his vehicle. The driver and front passenger ran from the vehicle and towards Officer Cunningham who was getting out of his police car.
Two additional males got out of the vehicle and ran away from Officer Cunningham. Officer Cunningham quickly learned the two victims were just kidnapped at gunpoint in the 100 block of E Stetson Ave. The victims were told to drive home where they were going to be killed. Two loaded firearms were located in the vehicle, where the two suspects were sitting.
Additional officers responded to the area. One suspect was apprehended by a pursuing officer. The second suspect attempted to hide in a business parking lot. Hemet Police Officer Maddox and his police service canine Rosco responded. The second suspect made his presence known and surrendered to officers after Officer Maddox gave a verbal warning regarding the use of the police dog.
The motive for the kidnapping is unclear at this time. The suspects and victims were acquaintances.
Arrested were:
Adam Barnett, 33 years. John Blackwood, 34 years of Hemet. Both were arrested and transported to Riverside County Jail for kidnapping, robbery, terrorist threats, weapons violations, and prior prison enhancements.