On 11-08-12 at approximately 4:50pm, Gang Task Force members went to a motel in the 3500 block of W. Florida Avenue to attempt an arrest warrant service on a wanted couple believed to be there.
The Gang Task Force (GTF) is a team of law enforcement professionals consisting of members from Hemet Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff's Office, Probation, Parole, and the District Attorney's Office.
The wanted male, Armando Amezola is a documented gang member who was listed as a Parolee at Large. The female, Shunowa Trujillo also had an active felony warrant for her arrest. Officers have had several contacts with the male and the last time GTF members contacted him, he jumped out a second story window of an apartment in San Jacinto.
Utilizing CHP K-9's, the team surrounded the outside of the hotel to cover the exits. GTF members went inside and contacted the two subjects almost immediately. A short foot chase ensued. As the male was being chased up some stairs and onto the third floor, he removed a loaded handgun from his waistband and threw it into a trash can in the hallway. He then laid down and was taken into custody. At the same time, the wanted female attempted to run into an elevator and close the door. Officers were able to prevent the elevator door from closing and took her into custody. Following the arrests, officers searched their room and found methamphetamine and heroin. Additional weapons were also located and seized.
Armando Amezola, 33 years old, from Hemet was booked with several new felony charges in addition to his parolee at large warrant.
Shunowa Trujillo, 41 years old, from San Jacinto was also booked with several new felony charges in addition to her felony warrant.
Hemet Police Captain Rob Webb said, "Sergeant Hess and his team are incredible. They developed information on these two dangerous suspects being in our city and immediately put a plan in place to safely get them into custody. Within minutes, they had that place surrounded and those two were under arrest before they knew what was up. Outstanding work."