Ryan Smith
Officer
California Highway Patrol
8/12/2019
Special Act Award (Gold)
![Ryan Smith](images/photos/885_SmithRyan_Special%20Act%20Award%20(Gold)_2021_20220321.jpg)
On August 12, 2019, at approximately 5:30 pm, California Highway Patrol Officer Robert Paul was assisting California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Moye, Jr. with an enforcement stop, when the suspect retrieved a rifle, and opened fire without warning. Officer Moye was struck and critically wounded. With Officer Moye down, the suspect quickly turned his attention towards Officer Paul, who immediately drew his weapon and engaged the suspect. Officer Paul was able to broadcast, “Officer down!” to the CHP Inland Communications Center. Riverside Area CHP units immediately responded to the scene, as did units from the Riverside Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Officer Paul sustained multiple gunshot wounds to both legs, but continued his courageous fight from the supine position, moving himself from left to right, and keeping the suspect unsure of his location. The suspect advanced by taking cover behind vehicles. Although outmatched by the suspect’s weapon, Officer Paul was able to actively engage the suspect in spite of his life-threatening injuries and to hold off the suspect until backup arrived.
After several minutes, California Highway Patrol Officer Ryan Smith arrived on scene and his patrol vehicle immediately began taking rounds from the suspect. Officer Smith was able to exit his patrol vehicle and return fire. While actively engaging with the suspect, Officer Smith was able to locate and assist Officer Paul. Officer Smith grabbed Officer Paul’s arms and pulled him out of the line of fire. Officer Smith sustained wounds to both legs, but he was able to pull Officer Paul over 100 feet to safety.
While Officer Smith pulled Officer Paul to safety, California Highway Patrol Officer Vince Mendoza arrived on scene and immediately engaged the suspect using a long rifle to draw fire away from Officer Smith and Officer Paul.
For over 12 minutes, with the assistance of allied agencies, multiple rounds were fired at the suspect, who was fatally shot. During the gunfight, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputies were able to evacuate Officer Paul from the scene via patrol vehicle and transport him to a nearby hospital. With the help of tourniquets, applied while en route to the hospital, and exceptional medical intervention at the hospital, Officer Paul survived the shooting and is expected to make a full recovery.
With no regard for his own safety, Officers Mendoza Smith went above and beyond the call of duty.
The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to California Highway Patrol Officer Ryan Smith.