'We lost a kindhearted, great person': Family, friends mourn fallen CHP officer

Family, friends, and fellow officers are mourning the loss of California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Moye Jr. following a fatal gun battle in Riverside. 

Officer Moye, known by loved ones as "Junior," was fatally wounded in a shootout with suspected gunman identified as Aaron Luther, officials said. 

"We lost a kindhearted, great person," Moye's stepmother told FOX 11. 

He was a 4-year veteran with the force. 

Moye stopped Luther for a traffic stop Monday around 5:30 p.m. At some point, Moye determined Luther's car needed to be impounded. While in the process of filling out paperwork and waiting for a tow truck to arrive, Luther is accused of taking an unknown caliber rifle and opening fire. Moye was barely able to radio for help, investigators said.

Three other CHP officers arrived at the scene and immediately exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside Police Department also responded. 

Luther was killed in the shooting, authorities confirmed. 

Moye was taken to Riverside University Medical Center where he died. Dozens lined up and saluted as the officer's flag-draped body was removed from the hospital and placed in a hearse. Motorcycle officers then led a procession as the hearse was driven to the county coroner's office. 

He is survived by his wife. 

"Jen and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers who are grieving tonight," said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Two CHP officers were taken to a local hospital with injuries described as minor to minor, authorities said. Their names have not been released. 

Additional security remains at the hospital for the injured officers. 

Civilians were also taken to a local room emergency room for minor injuries sustained in the shooting for things glass flying in the area. 

Luther's father was in disbelief his son would do something like this. Luther spent 10 years in prison and was in the process of getting his life together, his father said. 

FOX LA's Matt Johnson and Gigi Graciette contributed to this report.