Murder Investigation of California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Moye Jr.
Published: 08/16/2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2019
CONTACT:
Officer Ryan J. Railsback
Public Information Officer
Community Services Bureau
(951) 373-6032 (Media Contact)
MURDER INVESTIGATION OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER ANDRE MOYE JR.
RIVERSIDE, CA – On Monday, August 12, 2019, at approximately 5:37 p.m., a call for immediate assistance for an “officer down” was requested by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on the Eastridge Avenue overpass at the 215 Freeway. Officers from the Riverside Police Department (RPD), University of California – Riverside Police Department (UCRPD), and Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RSD) responded along with additional CHP Officers.
CHP Motor Officer Andre Moye Jr. conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a white pickup at this location. During that stop, the lone suspect produced a weapon and fired at Officer Moye Jr., severely injuring him. A backup CHP Officer, who was also on scene, immediately took gunfire from the suspect and returned fire. He called for assistance during the gunfight and was also struck, which caused a critical injury to one of his legs. Additional CHP Officers and RSD Deputies responded. Upon arrival, they also took gunfire from the suspect, but were able to move the backup CHP officer from the line of fire. The exchange of gunfire between the suspect and law enforcement continued for several minutes, resulting in a third CHP Officer being struck. A RPD Officer arrived to the west of the suspect and exchanged gunfire with him. The suspect was severely injured causing him to stop his attack.
Officers rendered aid to the three CHP Officers who sustained gunshots, along with the suspect. Two of the injured Officers were transported by police vehicle to the Riverside University Health Systems (RUHS) trauma center. Officer Moye Jr. was airlifted to the same hospital by RPD’s police helicopter. Life-saving measures were made by RUHS staff but unfortunately, Officer Moye Jr. succumbed to his injuries and died in the line of duty. Officer Moye Jr. was a 4-year veteran assigned to the CHP – Riverside area station. One CHP Officer sustained minor injuries and was released the next day, and the other CHP Officer sustained critical injuries, but is currently in stable condition.
The suspect was taken to RUHS where he succumbed to his injuries. The weapon he used in this murder was a semi-automatic rifle, and it was recovered at the scene on the suspect. He was identified as Aaron Luther, 49-years-old of Beaumont. His criminal history includes prior prison commitment for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer, along with other violent crimes.
This critical incident occurred within the city limits of Riverside. The Riverside Police Department is the lead investigating agency. Detectives with the Robbery – Homicide Unit, along with Specialists from the Forensics Unit, responded and assumed the investigation. They were assisted by Detectives from the RSD’s Central Homicide Unit and the CHP’s Investigative Services Unit. The Riverside County Sheriff – Coroner and Riverside County District Attorney’s Office are also assisting.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected], or Detective Brett Stennett at (951) 353-7213 or [email protected].
ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES should be directed to our Public Information Officer at (951) 373-6032 or [email protected].
To view the two press conferences regarding this investigation, click on:
Joint Press Conference - Monday, August 12, 2019
Joint Press Conference - Tuesday, August 13, 2019
A memorial account has been created for the family of Officer Andre Moye Jr. through the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP) Credit Union.
Donations can be made online at: https://cahpcu.org/OfficerAndreMoyeJrMemorialFund
or mailed to:
CAHP Credit Union
P.O. Box 276507
Sacramento, CA 95826.
Condolences may be sent to the following address:
California Highway Patrol, Riverside Area
8118 Lincoln Ave.
Riverside, CA 92504
