A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer was the victim of violence on Monday in a dramatic scene that occurred on the 215 Freeway, The Los Angeles Times is reporting.
After an officer on a motorcycle stopped a man driving along the highway on a white GMC pickup truck, the man — at some point — grabbed a rifle from inside his vehicle and fired at the officer who was approaching him.
Other officers soon arrived at the scene, as The Times reported — and witnesses later described a scene of chaos.
One driver said that bullets “flew through their windows.”
“We know his motive for this crime,” Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz said Monday night, as Fox News reported on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred at roughly 5:30 p.m. after a CHP officer decided to impound the man’s vehicle.
“He called for a tow truck and was filling out the necessary paperwork,” said Scott Parker, assistant chief at the CHP’s Inland Division.
That’s apparently when the driver pulled out a rifle from his truck — and suddenly began firing.
The officer called for help and three other CHP officers arrived.
Shooting in Riverside shuts down 215 Fwy, prompts large law enforcement response https://t.co/FB6lP1WITh
— KTLA (@KTLA) August 13, 2019
Absolutely heartbroken to hear the CHP officer involved in the Riverside shooting tonight has passed away. A driver is thought to have grabbed a rifle from inside their vehicle and opened fire on the officer. pic.twitter.com/romcqptD68
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 13, 2019
Those officers immediately faced gunfire — and two were hit by it, Parker said and Fox News reported.
A Riverside police officer and three Riverside County sheriff’s deputies also arrived on scene; they traded shots with the man before the individual was hit and went down, Diaz indicated.
“It was a long and horrific gun battle,” the chief said.
While authorities did not immediately release the names of the slain CHP officer or the man with the rifle, family members identified the deceased officer as 33-year-old Andre Moye Jr., who was married and had been with the CHP for about four years, KABC-TV reported.
See these tweets for more information about, and reaction to, the incident — and share your thoughts.
Police procession escorting fallen @CHP_HQ officer Andre Moye last night in Riverside, California pic.twitter.com/NV9qJSD8w6
— Cameron Gray (@Cameron_Gray) August 13, 2019
Deepest condolences from the PBA of NYS to the family of the @CHP_HQ Officer Andre Moye Jr., as well as the officers who were injured, one of them critically. There is no such thing as a "routine" traffic stop, as this one turned deadly. https://t.co/RCrxMU1Sgu pic.twitter.com/ql893HSoWW
— PBA of NYS (@pbanystate) August 13, 2019
Shooting on 215 Freeway in Riverside: multiple injuries reported; 3 cops wounded, suspected gunman dead. Retired Marine escorts woman and her children to safety “He’s my hero.” @jaclyncosgrove @palomaesquivel https://t.co/Ug9SAk0juv
— Hector Becerra (@hbecerraLATimes) August 13, 2019
#UPDATE 2 officers were injured, 1 critically following a shooting with a suspect on the 215 Fwy in Riverside https://t.co/3gPIw4gZzS
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) August 13, 2019
Our hearts ache over the tragic loss of @CHP_HQ‘s own Officer Andre Moye — who will be remembered for his commitment to service and the community of Riverside County. Jen and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers who are grieving tonight.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 13, 2019
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