RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – A violent altercation in the unincorporated area of Hemet, California, has left one man hospitalized and another behind bars, facing serious felony charges. Authorities with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that a 30-year-old Hemet resident, identified as Roman Neely, has been arrested for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon following a stabbing incident on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
The incident began around 3:06 p.m. when deputies from the Hemet and San Jacinto Sheriff’s Stations were dispatched to the 45000 block of Highway 74 in response to a 911 call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies located an adult male victim who had sustained injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Despite the severity of the situation, the victim was conscious and able to speak with deputies, identifying the suspect as Roman Neely. The victim’s name has not been released, but authorities confirmed he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.
Following the victim’s statement, deputies quickly located Roman Neely and took him into custody without incident. Investigators from the Hemet Station were immediately assigned to the case and launched a comprehensive investigation.
A search warrant was subsequently executed at Neely’s residence. Inside, investigators recovered physical evidence believed to be connected to the stabbing. While the exact nature of the evidence has not been disclosed—pending further investigation—authorities say it supports the charges against Neely.
He was later booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning and is now facing the following charges:
- Attempted Murder
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has made clear that the investigation is active and ongoing. No further details about the motive, the relationship between the suspect and victim, or the events leading up to the attack have been made public.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has additional information that could aid the investigation, to contact Lead Investigator Siaw at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 791–3400.
While law enforcement has stated there is no current threat to public safety, the stabbing has left many in the community rattled, particularly given its occurrence in broad daylight along a well-traveled section of Highway 74.
“It’s terrifying,” said one local resident. “You drive down that road every day and never expect something like this to happen. I’m just thankful the victim is going to make it and that they caught the guy quickly.”
This stretch of Highway 74—sometimes referred to locally as the “Pines to Palms Highway”—is a key route linking the Hemet Valley to the Idyllwild and San Jacinto mountain regions. The area is dotted with residential communities, small businesses, and mobile home parks, making it a heavily frequented location by locals and travelers alike.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent events reported in parts of Riverside County this year. While law enforcement has responded swiftly in this case, the stabbing has sparked renewed calls for increased patrol presence and community engagement to help deter future violence.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or violent activity immediately. Community members are encouraged to use 911 for emergencies or contact their nearest sheriff’s station for non-urgent concerns.
As of Friday, Roman Neely remains in custody, and charges are pending formal arraignment. His bail status and court date have not yet been made public.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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