Man Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting At Vehicle In Riverside County

The suspect was located and taken into custody the day after the shooting, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 21-year-old Hemet man named Juan Carlos Zambrano was arrested on Thursday for shooting at a vehicle near the 25000 block of Florida Avenue in Hemet, California. The victim was inside the vehicle but was not injured. Zambrano was booked at the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm in a negligent manner.

Why it matters

Gun violence and public safety are major concerns in Riverside County, which has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years. This incident highlights the need for continued law enforcement efforts to address such threats to the community.

The details

Deputies responded to a shooting around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday and found that a vehicle had been struck by gunfire, but the victim was unharmed. Authorities searched the area but did not initially locate the suspect. During the investigation, they identified the suspect as Juan Carlos Zambrano and found him the next day near Mountain Avenue and Old Mountain Avenue in Hemet. Deputies also served a search warrant at a location on Palm Avenue and collected evidence, including from Zambrano's vehicle.

  • The shooting incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2026.
  • Zambrano was arrested and taken into custody on Thursday, March 2, 2026.
  • Zambrano is scheduled to appear in court at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta on April 10, 2026.

The players

Juan Carlos Zambrano

A 21-year-old Hemet man who was arrested and booked on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm in a negligent manner.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting incident, identified the suspect, and made the arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“An investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy Matthew Zepeda at the Hemet Sheriff's Station.”

— Riverside County Sheriff's Department (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 10, 2026 whether to allow Juan Carlos Zambrano to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Riverside County faces in addressing gun violence and maintaining public safety. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and the community to prevent such acts and protect residents.