On August 12, 2019, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Andre Maurice Moye Jr., aged 34, tragically lost his life in Riverside, CA. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop on the Eastridge Avenue overpass at the 215 Freeway. Officer Moye had pulled over a white pickup truck when the driver, Aaron Luther, produced a semi-automatic rifle and opened fire. Officer Moye was critically injured in the initial exchange.
Despite immediate assistance from backup officers and emergency medical personnel, Officer Moye succumbed to his injuries at the Riverside University Health Systems trauma center.
The suspect, Aaron Luther, had a violent criminal history, including prior convictions for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer. During the shootout, two additional CHP officers were injured, one critically. The gunfight continued for several minutes, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Luther was eventually incapacitated and later died from his injuries. The weapon used in the attack was recovered at the scene.
The Riverside Police Department led the investigation into the incident, with support from the Robbery-Homicide Unit and Forensics Unit. The investigation revealed that Luther had used an untraceable "ghost gun" in the attack. Despite his violent past, it was noted that Officer Moye was likely unaware of Luther's criminal background during the traffic stop. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and led to a solemn tribute to Officer Moye, who was remembered as a dedicated public servant.
