Man Attempts To Break Out Of Hemet Holding Cell: Police

HEMET, CA — A suspected purse snatcher attempted to bust out of a Hemet police holding cell but was quickly recaptured, a police lieutenant said Saturday.

Officers originally arrested 32-year-old parolee Jesus Galvan Mata Jr. of Hemet on Friday after he allegedly stole a purse from a woman at a Lowes in the 300 block of South Sanderson Avenue, according to Hemet Police Lt. Nate Miller.

A person who witnessed the theft provided law enforcement with a possible license plate number of the suspect's vehicle, which led them to Mata's residence.

When police conducted a parole search of Mata's home, they found him hiding in a closet and arrested him, according to Miller.

"The victim's purse was also located at the home. Additional evidence linked Mata to the crime at Lowes," Miller said.

At about 8 p.m. that same day, police said Mata became involved in an "altercation" with another detainee inside a Hemet police holding cell.

When officers attempted to separate the two men by moving Mata to another cell, he attempted a getaway, according to police.

"Mata did not get away from the facility and was immediately captured. He was later transported the Riverside County Jail," said Miller.

Mata was booked on suspicion of two felony counts: grand theft and violating his parole.

He remained behind bars without bail.

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock