RIVERSIDE, Ca. – Riverside Police have released additional information about officer-involved shooting that killed California Highway Patrol officer Andre Moye Jr. and injured two other CHP officers.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, at around 5:37 p.m., a CHP officier requested assistance for an officer down on the Eastridge Avenue overpass at the 215 freeway. Through investigation it was revealed that Officer Andre Moye Jr. conducted a stop of a white pickup truck at the location. The vehicle stopped, and the driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle produced a firearm and fired at Officer Moye. A backup CHP officer also was shot at by the suspect and he returned fire. He called for assistance and was struck on his leg. Deputies from the Riverside office and the CHP responded to the area. When they arrived the suspect shot at them but they were able to move the backup CHP officer with the critically injured leg out of the line of fire.
Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and authorities, and continued for several minutes, resulting in a third officer being struck. A Riverside Police Officer arrived west of the suspect and exchanged gunfire with him, severely injuring him. The suspect stopped firing back due to the severity of his injuries. Officers rendered aid to the three injured CHP officers and the suspect. Two of the injured officers were transported by police to Riverside University Health Systems (RUHS) trauma center. Officer Moye Jr. was also airlifted to RUHS by helicopter. Hospital staff attempted to save Officer Moye’s life, but he died as a result of his injuries. Officer Moye Jr. was a Riverside CHP officer for four years.
The second officer was released from the hospital the following day with minor injuries. The third CHP officer sustained critical injuries, but remains in stable condition. The suspect was also taken to RUHS where he died as a result of his injuries. He was identified as Aaron Luther, 49, of Beaumont. The semi-automatic rifle used in the murder and attempted murder was recovered at the scene in the possession of Luther. Luther has a criminal history which includes a prior prison commitment for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer, along with other violent crimes.
Peer support and counseling services have been offered for all law enforcement involved in this investigation. The Riverside University Health Systems has offered behavioral health services to any witness or non-law enforcement victim from this incident. For more information, please contact Roderick W. Verbeck at rverbeck@ruhealth.org or (951) 955-1551.
This investigation will be lengthy and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with additional information or video is urged to contact Detective Dan Mercadefe at (951) 353-7103 or dmercadefe@riversideca.gov, or Detective Brett Stennett at (951) 353-7213 or bstennett@riversideca.gov.
