Nov. 07--FRENCH VALLEY, Calif. -- One of two suspects accused of planning a series of attacks designed to kill Hemet police officers was convicted Monday of four counts of attempted murder and numerous other felonies.
A Murrieta jury deliberated four days before convicting Nicolas John Smit of the attempted murder counts, as well as being in possession of a zip gun, attempting to ignite an incendiary device in the commission of a felony, conspiracy, five drug-related offenses and multiple sentence-enhancing allegations, including committing a crime while on bail.
The 41-year old could face life in prison when he's sentenced on Dec. 2.
Starting in December 31, 2010, Hemet police were targeted in a series of arson and booby trapping attacks. The last incident came June 28th, when a fire was set at Hemet property and evidence building.
The fire was reported around 2:23 a.m. in the 400 block of east Devonshire Ave.
Fire crews put out the blaze rather quickly, however, there was "extensive damage" to the building and its contents, said Lt. Duane Wisehart.
The fire was being investigated as arson and was believed to be connected to the previous attacks on the Hemet Police Department in the last six months, Wisehart said.
The discovery comes on the heels of recent attacks involving booby traps set at the headquarters of the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Gang Task Force.
Several city vehicles were also torched in the attacks.
Other incidents included filling a building with flammable natural gas vapors, rigging a gun on a fence to fire at an officer, placing explosive devices under unmarked police cars and aiming an inert military training rocket toward a police building.
No one was injured in any of the attacks.
Smit's alleged co-conspirator, William Hansen, 36, of Homeland, is set to be tried separately in January.
Copyright 2011 - KTLA-TV, Los Angeles
