TULARE COUNTY — California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Liles was killed in a crash on Highway 99. The collision occurred on September 28, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m. on State Route 99 just north of State Route 190 in Tipton, Tulare County.

Liles, 44, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving measures were administered. He was struck by a passing vehicle after being ejected from his motorcycle during a collision with a truck-tractor while on duty.

Liles had served with the California Highway Patrol for more than 16 years, having graduated from the academy in 2010. His assignments included the San Jose area, Hayward, and Fresno before he transferred to the Visalia area in 2019. A procession began in Tipton to escort Liles to a funeral chapel in Visalia.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement regarding the death. "Officer Brian Liles dedicated his life to serving our communities, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss for the California Highway Patrol and the entire state of California. Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by his tragic loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and CHP colleagues. He will be remembered for his dedication to serving and protecting the people of California," Newsom said.

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

Why It Matters

The California Highway Patrol's Central Division Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash. According to Turnto23, the CHP's Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is responsible for investigating all line-of-duty deaths. The agency will hold a Bell Toll Tribute in Sacramento on Wednesday morning, with public live-stream access available. Primary source: gov.ca.gov

In 2023, the CHP reported that 78% of traffic fatalities on California highways involved drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This statistic provides context for the dangers faced by officers enforcing traffic laws on state roadways. Primary source: gov.ca.gov

Timeline

Liles graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 2010. Liles was initially assigned to the San Jose area, later served in Hayward and Fresno, and transferred to the Visalia area in 2019. On September 28, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Liles was involved in an on-duty traffic collision on State Route 99 just north of State Route 190 in Tipton, Tulare County. California Highway Patrol Officer Liles was killed in a crash on Highway 99. The crash occurred on Highway 99 just north of Highway 190 in Tipton, California. Officer Liles was on duty at the time of the crash. Officer Liles sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving measures were administered. Primary source: gov.ca.gov

What's New

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Liles, expressing deep sadness and extending condolences to his family, friends, and CHP colleagues. The California Highway Patrol's Central Division Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash that resulted in the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Liles. Primary source: gov.ca.gov

The California Highway Patrol will hold a Bell Toll Tribute in Sacramento on Wednesday morning, with public live-stream access available. Officer Liles was struck by a passing vehicle after being ejected from his motorcycle during a collision with a truck-tractor on State Route 99. The CHP's Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is responsible for investigating all line-of-duty deaths, and it has been leading the investigation into Officer Liles' crash. Visalia is city and county seat of Tulare County, California, United States. Primary source: gov.ca.gov