Shootout on overpass leaves officer, gunman dead

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A driver stopped by police pulled out a rifle and opened fire, killing a California Highway Patrol officer and wounding two others during a shootout on a freeway overpass that left the gunman dead and sent terrified motorists running for cover.

Officer Andrew Moye Jr., 34, died in the gunfight as dozens of bullets flew late Monday afternoon in Riverside, east of Los Angeles. Two civilians received minor injuries.

The other officers were both shot in their legs, CHP Chief Bill Dance said Tuesday. One was in critical condition and the other was serious but both are expected to survive, he said.

The gunman was identified by the Riverside County coroner’s office as Aaron Luther, 49, and authorities said he had a criminal record that included an attempted murder conviction in 1994.

Moye had pulled over a pickup truck and was doing paperwork to impound it when Luther, who was outside the vehicle, reached in, grabbed a rifle and fatally wounded the officer, authorities said. Moye was able to radio for help and other officers engaged in a “long and horrific gun battle,” Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz said.

Authorities said it was unclear what prompted Moye to stop the truck or for Luther to open fire.

Moye’s flag- draped body was removed from a hospital and placed in a hearse Monday night. Motorcycle officers then led a procession as the hearse was driven to the county coroner’s office.

“I am devastated by the tragedy,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said in a tweet. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags at half- staff Tuesday at the state Capitol.

Relatives said Moye had been with the CHP for about four years.

Dance said Moye was an “outstanding” officer devoted to public service.

“His mother told me this was his dream job and he loved going to work,” he said. “It’s what he always wanted to do.”

He is survived by his wife, mother, father, stepfather, two brothers, two sisters and a large extended family, Dance said.

The gunfight occurred during the afternoon commute when traffic was heavy.