A tragic incident unfolded near a freeway in Riverside, California, resulting in the death of a California Highway Patrol officer and a suspect, with a second officer critically wounded. The shootout occurred on Monday, August 12, 2019, and prompted a large law enforcement response.
The incident began when a CHP motor officer stopped a man driving a white GMC pickup truck. According to The Los Angeles Times, the situation escalated when the man retrieved a rifle from his vehicle and opened fire on the approaching officer. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one driver reporting bullets flying through their windows.
The suspect initiated the gunfire shortly after 5:30 p.m., after the CHP officer decided to impound his vehicle. Assistant Chief Scott Parker of the CHP’s Inland Division stated that the officer was in the process of completing the necessary paperwork for the tow truck when the driver produced a rifle and began shooting. The officer called for backup, and three additional CHP officers arrived at the scene.
Upon arrival, the officers were immediately met with gunfire, and two were struck. A Riverside police officer and three Riverside County sheriff’s deputies also responded and engaged in a gun battle with the suspect, ultimately killing him at the scene. Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz described it as a “long and horrific gun battle.”
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. Riverside police spokesman Ryan Railsback stated, “We don’t know why. That is all going to be part of this lengthy investigation.”
Video footage showed the gunman, dressed in black and armed with a military assault-style rifle, exchanging fire with officers before retreating behind his truck for cover, continuing to fire. Post-shooting video revealed bullet holes in the front windows of two patrol cars and significant damage to their back windows.
The first CHP officer wounded was transported by helicopter to a hospital but was pronounced dead. The second officer was hospitalized in critical condition, while a third officer sustained minor injuries. Authorities initially withheld the names of the deceased officer and the suspect. However, family members identified the slain officer as Andre Moye, Jr., 33, who was married and had served with the CHP for approximately four years, according to KABC-TV.
Law enforcement agencies and community members expressed their condolences and support. SB County Fire tweeted, “Our hearts are broken over the tragic death of CHP Officer Andre Moye. Prayers for his family & all law enforcement . R.I.P. brother.”
Police initially reported that at least one civilian sustained minor injuries from flying glass. Parker later clarified that two civilians received superficial injuries and were expected to recover.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the reason for the initial traffic stop and vehicle impound. Investigators were also working to determine the suspect’s origin and destination.
Following the shooting, numerous law enforcement officers gathered outside the hospital in Moreno Valley. Snipers were positioned on the roof as a precautionary measure. Officers lined up and saluted as the officer’s body, draped with a flag, was removed from the hospital and transported to the county coroner’s office in a procession led by motor officers.
CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley expressed his grief in a tweet, stating, “I am devastated by the tragedy that unfolded earlier in Riverside. Tonight, I mourn the loss of one of our own, CHP Officer Andre Moye, who was killed during a shootout following a traffic stop. Prayers go out to all, including the responding officers injured in the shooting.”
Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, R-Lake Elsinore, also tweeted, “Please say some prayers for the CHP officers involved.” The condition of the injured officers was initially unknown.
Officer Down incidents highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel every day. This event serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect our communities.