The Murrieta Police Department paid tribute to a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer killed in a crash while on duty in Tulare County.

CHP Motorcycle Officer Brian Liles, 44, died Monday, Sept. 28, after his department-issued motorcycle collided with a truck on northbound State Route 99 south of Avenue 152 near Tipton, according to the Governor's office. The crash occurred at approximately 5:11 p.m. Liles was ejected from the motorcycle and struck by a passing vehicle, the CHP said in a media advisory. He died at the scene.

In a statement Tuesday, Sept. 29, the Murrieta Police Department extended condolences to Liles' wife, children, family and CHP colleagues, calling his death a line-of-duty loss and thanking him for his service and sacrifice. The department's tribute was reported by Patch.

Liles was a 16-year veteran of the CHP. He graduated from the CHP Academy in 2010 and was first assigned to the San Jose area. He later served in Hayward and Fresno before transferring to the Visalia Area office in 2019. In December 2025, he became one of the first motorcycle officers assigned to the Visalia Area after completing the department's motorcycle training program.

He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and two sisters.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement Monday night calling Liles' death a loss for the CHP and the entire state. Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space flown at half-staff in Liles' honor.

Liles' death was the first line-of-duty loss for the CHP since 2020. Officer Andy Ornelas, 27, died Dec. 2, 2020, nine days after being struck by a vehicle in Palmdale.

The CHP's Central Division Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash, according to Bakersfield Now. No cause has been released.

The CHP scheduled a Bell Toll Tribute ceremony for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee and CHP Chief Mike Lehman were set to lead the ceremony, which was available to the public via live stream.

Residents can follow the CHP Visalia Area office for updates on funeral arrangements and memorial services.