TIPTON, CA. (THECOUNT) — Brian Liles, a 44-year-old California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer and 16-year veteran of the agency, has been identified as the officer killed Monday evening in an on-duty crash on Highway 99 in Tulare County.
The crash occurred around 5:10 p.m. Monday on northbound Highway 99 near State Route 190 in Tipton, according to the California Highway Patrol. Liles was assigned to the CHP’s Visalia Area office.
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Liles was riding a department motorcycle northbound when he collided with a truck-tractor, according to authorities. The impact ejected him from the motorcycle, after which he was struck by a passing vehicle.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Liles died at the scene from his injuries.
The CHP Central Division Serious Collision Investigation Team is investigating the crash. Authorities have not released additional information about the truck driver or the driver of the passing vehicle.
Liles joined the CHP after graduating from the agency’s academy in 2010. He was initially assigned to the San Jose Area and later served in Hayward and Fresno before transferring to the Visalia Area office in 2019.
In December 2025, Liles became one of the first motorcycle officers assigned to the Visalia area after completing CHP motorcycle training.
Liles is survived by his wife, two children, parents and two sisters, according to the CHP.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Liles was the first CHP officer killed in the line of duty since 2020. In honor of Liles, flags at the California State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space were ordered flown at half-staff.
Tipton is a small city in Tulare County in California’s San Joaquin Valley, located along Highway 99 about 15 miles south of Visalia and roughly 60 miles southeast of Fresno. The crash occurred on Highway 99 just north of State Route 190.
Google Maps: Highway 99 near State Route 190, Tipton, California
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