August 14, 2019 – In Breaking News – KPBS News and AP
The man who suddenly grabbed a rifle and opened fire during a traffic stop just off a Riverside County freeway had a long and violent criminal history that the police officer he killed most likely knew nothing about as he filled out paperwork alongside the road.
California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Moye, Jr., was getting ready to impound Aaron Luther’s pickup truck when Luther, who was outside the vehicle and not restrained, reached inside, pulled out a rifle and started shooting on an overpass to the 215 Freeway in Riverside.
(California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Moye, Jr., was getting ready to impound Aaron Luther’s pickup truck when Luther, who was outside the vehicle and not restrained, reached inside, pulled out a rifle and started shooting on an overpass to the 215 Freeway in Riverside. Courtesy of CBS 8 San Diego and YouTube. Posted on Aug 14.)
Moye, 34, was fatally wounded but called for help and two responding officers were shot in the legs while frightened motorists ducked for cover from dozens of flying bullets.
Public records showing a person’s criminal history aren’t typically something an officer has access to during a traffic stop.
CHP Inland Division Chief Bill Dance said it’s not clear whether Moye asked a dispatcher to seek any additional information on Luther, 49, who was convicted of attempted murder in 1994 and also had convictions for assault, domestic violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and battery.
John Aresta, police chief in Malverne, New York, and a past president of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said an officer would have almost no way of knowing a driver’s criminal history during a traffic stop.
When an officer runs a vehicle’s license plate and a driver’s license, the reports will usually come back listing the registered owner, if it’s been reported stolen and if the license has been suspended or revoked.
Active warrants may also be available, he said.
“It’s not going to come up with a criminal history and it’s not going to come with an asterisk saying ‘bad guy,'” Aresta said.
Luther did have a bench warrant dating from 2017 after he failed to appear in court to answer a CHP misdemeanor for driving with a suspended or revoked license.
(California Highway Patrol officer killed in shootout: officials hold news conference. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube. Posted on Aug 13, 2019.)
Moye had been with the CHP for about three years and was a motorcycle officer for roughly a year.
“His mother told me this was his dream job and he loved going to work,” Dance said. “It’s what he always wanted to do.”
Dance said Moye was an “outstanding” officer devoted to public service.
He is survived by his wife, mother, father, stepfather, two brothers, two sisters and a large extended family, Dance said.
(One day after the fatal shooting of CHP Officer Andre Moye, Jr., memorials to his dedicated service line the walls of the station in Riverside. Courtesy of CBS Los Angeles and YouTube. Posted on Aug 14, 2019.)
Continue reading… Shooter’s Criminal Past Likely Unknown To Officer He Killed
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of CHP Officer Andre Moye, Jr., both blood and blue. Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of California, with pride and distinction. You will not be forgotten.
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