The normally quiet and family-friendly neighborhood of San Jacinto was rocked by a violent and traumatic event on the afternoon of October 24, 2024, when a child was injured in a shooting incident near the San Jacinto Leadership Academy on Ramona Boulevard. This tragic event has left the community in shock and law enforcement agencies scrambling to piece together the details of what happened. The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Tahquitz Street and Ramona Boulevard at approximately 3:51 p.m., drawing a rapid and large-scale response from local law enforcement and emergency medical services. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were summoned to the scene following a report of an attack involving a deadly weapon.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered a male child on the ground, injured but conscious. The victim, whose identity has not been released to the public due to his minor status, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition remains uncertain at this time, though authorities have confirmed that he was coherent and alert upon being taken to the hospital. The child’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult situation, but the community is rallying around them with an outpouring of support and prayers.
The incident immediately prompted an investigation from local law enforcement agencies, which now have the daunting task of determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators have yet to determine a clear motive for the attack, but the possibility of gang-related activity or retaliation has not been ruled out. Authorities are also exploring whether this shooting could be related to a string of violent incidents that have plagued the Hemet and San Jacinto areas in recent weeks.
As police comb through the evidence, a heavy police presence remains in place near the San Jacinto Leadership Academy, a middle school that emphasizes discipline and leadership development. The safety of the students and faculty has been a primary concern for the administration and parents alike. The school was temporarily placed on lockdown following the incident, though the lockdown was lifted later in the afternoon as it became clear that the immediate threat had passed. School officials have issued a statement expressing their concern for the well-being of the child who was injured and emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the continued safety of their students.
The Community Reacts
News of the shooting spread quickly throughout the San Jacinto area, a close-knit community known for its peaceful environment and small-town values. Parents rushed to pick up their children from nearby schools, and residents expressed their disbelief that such violence could occur in their town. Many gathered in prayer circles, hoping for a swift recovery for the injured child and seeking solace in the face of tragedy.
San Jacinto Mayor Crystal Ruiz addressed the public in an emotional press conference, acknowledging the pain that the community is experiencing and pledging the full support of local government in aiding the ongoing investigation. “Today, our hearts are broken for the child who was hurt in this senseless act of violence, and for the family that is suffering as a result. We stand with them in their time of need, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this act are brought to justice,” Mayor Ruiz said.
Parents of students at the San Jacinto Leadership Academy expressed their concerns about the safety of their children, and many are calling for increased security measures both at the school and in the surrounding area. San Jacinto Unified School District Superintendent Diane Perez released a statement affirming the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for students, staff, and families.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred near our school today. Our thoughts are with the child who was injured and his family. We will be working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that every precaution is taken to protect the safety of our students and our community. We also recognize that many students and families may feel anxious and uncertain in the wake of today’s events, and we will be providing counseling and support services for those who need it,” Perez stated.
Ongoing Investigation and Connection to Prior Homicide Case
As the investigation into the San Jacinto shooting continues, detectives are also probing the possibility of a connection to a previous homicide case in nearby Hemet. On October 5, 2024, just a few weeks prior to the Ramona Boulevard shooting, the Hemet Police Department responded to a shooting on West Florida Avenue, where they discovered an adult male who had been fatally shot. That case remains under active investigation by the Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau.
In connection with the earlier homicide, detectives were able to identify 46-year-old Ernie Miranda as a prime suspect. Miranda was apprehended by the Riverside County Gang Impact Team (GIT) on October 7, 2024, in Cabazon, California. After his arrest, Miranda was transferred to the Hemet Police Department for further questioning before being booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. He is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond and is facing charges of homicide.
Investigators from both Hemet and San Jacinto are working together to determine whether there is any link between the two cases. While officials have not released any conclusive evidence to suggest a direct connection, they are not ruling out the possibility that the shooting on Ramona Boulevard could be part of a broader pattern of gang violence or retaliation that has spread throughout the region.
Community Safety Measures and Call for Action
In response to the recent spike in violent crime, local law enforcement has increased patrols in the San Jacinto and Hemet areas. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has announced that additional resources will be allocated to both the ongoing investigations and efforts to prevent further incidents of violence. Sheriff Bianco urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated in our community, and we are committed to working with residents, schools, and local businesses to ensure that San Jacinto and Hemet remain safe places to live, work, and raise families,” Sheriff Bianco stated.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has also partnered with community organizations and outreach programs to address the root causes of violence in the area. Efforts are being made to provide at-risk youth with access to mentorship, education, and job training programs that can help steer them away from a life of crime.
Local leaders have echoed calls for increased community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement. Pastor James Turner, a prominent figure in the San Jacinto faith community, has organized a series of town hall meetings and prayer vigils to bring residents together in a show of solidarity. “We need to come together as a community to fight against this senseless violence. We cannot allow fear to take over our lives. Instead, we must support one another, stand up for what is right, and help our young people find a better path,” Pastor Turner said during a recent vigil.
Support for the Victim and Family
As the child who was injured in the shooting continues to recover, local residents have organized several fundraisers and support networks to assist the victim’s family during this difficult time. An online crowdfunding campaign was set up in the hours following the shooting, with all proceeds going toward medical expenses and counseling services for the victim and his family. The campaign has already garnered widespread support, raising thousands of dollars within the first 24 hours.
Neighbors have also rallied around the family, offering meals, rides, and emotional support as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic event. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for the evening of October 25, 2024, where residents will gather to pray for the victim’s recovery and to honor the resilience of the San Jacinto community.
Moving Forward
As San Jacinto and its surrounding areas continue to grapple with the aftereffects of this tragic shooting, the focus remains on healing and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again. Authorities are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and to restore a sense of safety and normalcy to the community.
While the road to recovery may be long, the community of San Jacinto has shown incredible strength and unity in the face of adversity. The outpouring of support for the injured child and his family is a testament to the compassion and resilience that define this close-knit town. As investigators continue to search for answers, San Jacinto remains hopeful that peace will be restored, and that through the collective efforts of law enforcement, community leaders, and residents, a brighter and safer future is on the horizon.
