TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A California Highway Patrol officer was killed in a crash on northbound Highway 99 near Highway 190 in Tipton on Monday afternoon.
The officer, identified as 44-year-old Brian Liles, was a 16-year veteran of the CHP. Authorities reported the incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. when Liles, riding his patrol motorcycle, collided with a truck-tractor and was subsequently struck by another vehicle after being ejected. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash resulted in a full closure of the freeway, with multiple law enforcement agencies on-site for the ongoing investigation. Additional details on injuries or the truck driver’s status have not been confirmed.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed condolences in a statement, underscoring Officer Liles’ dedication to public service. Liles is survived by his wife, two children, parents, and two sisters.
This marks the first line-of-duty death for the California Highway Patrol since 2020.