Car Chase Leads to $16,000 Drug Bust in Hemet

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By City News Service

A police pursuit in Hemet led to the discovery of more than three pounds of methamphetamine and the arrests of two men for suspicion of drug possession, felony evasion and probation violations, police said today.

The pursuit took place about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday in the 2500 block of West Florida Avenue, according to Hemet police.

Officers tried to stop a car but the vehicle sped away, police said. The car led police on a pursuit through Hemet, San Jacinto and Valle Vista at speeds of up to an estimated 60 mph, according to authorities.

The chase ended in the 300 block of South Santa Fe Street when the car stopped short of spike strips that had been laid out in front of its path. The driver stayed in the car, but the passenger tried to flee the scene on foot carrying a backpack.

Officers caught up with the man, inspected the backpack and found more than three pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $16,000, according to police.

Oscar Oropeza, 24, and Frank Beltran, 29, both of Homeland were arrested and booked on felony probation charges, possession and transportation of methamphetamine and felony evasion for failing to stop their vehicle. The men were being held at the Riverside County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond on each man, according to police.