California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Liles was killed Sunday evening after his department-issued motorcycle collided with a truck-tractor on State Route 99 near Tipton, California. A second vehicle traveling through the area then struck Liles following the initial crash.
Emergency crews performed lifesaving measures at the scene, but Liles died from his injuries. The collision occurred south of Avenue 152, with CHP initially placing the incident at approximately 5:11 p.m. near State Route 190. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances that led to the first impact.
Liles, 44, was riding northbound on the CHP motorcycle while on duty when the crash occurred. His death marks a line-of-duty loss for the agency.
More than 16 years of service with CHP
Liles had spent more than 16 years serving California communities. He graduated from the CHP Academy in 2010 and began his career with an assignment to the San Jose Area. He subsequently served in Hayward and Fresno before transferring to Visalia in 2019.
In December 2025, Liles became part of the first group of motorcycle officers assigned to the Visalia office after completing specialized training.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom paid tribute to Liles following the crash, describing his death as a heartbreaking loss for the California Highway Patrol and the state.
“Officer Brian Liles dedicated his life to serving our communities,” Newsom said.
Following his death, state officials ordered flags at the Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be lowered to half-staff.
According to the governor’s office, Liles was the CHP’s first line-of-duty death since 2020. He is survived by his wife, two children, parents and two sisters.
The CHP 11-99 Foundation also announced $50,000 in emergency and death benefits for Liles’ wife. The organization provides financial and other assistance to California Highway Patrol employees and their families.
CHP honors fallen officer with Bell Toll Tribute
CHP personnel gathered Wednesday at the agency’s academy in West Sacramento for a Bell Toll Tribute honoring Liles.
Commissioner Sean Duryee and Chief Mike Lehman addressed those attending the ceremony. Family members, friends, professional staff and fellow law enforcement personnel were also present.
The memorial bell ceremony is held to honor officers who die while serving California communities.
Investigators have not publicly identified the driver of the truck or the carrier involved in the crash in the available releases. Authorities have also not disclosed whether citations were issued or whether any specific contributing factors have been identified.
Those questions remain open following the Sept. 28 collision, and additional information is expected as the investigation continues.
Why It Matters: State Route 99 is a major freight corridor through California’s Central Valley and carries significant commercial truck traffic. The fatal crash underscores the risks faced by motorcycles and other road users when they share heavily traveled freight routes with large trucks and other vehicles.
