Law Enforcement, Area Leaders Honor 24 Year Old Moses Russ Killed In Tuesday Morning Motorcycle Crash: He Was An Atlanta Police Department Recruit

Law enforcement officials and local leaders are today honoring and mourning a 24-year-old Atlanta Police Department recruit who was killed in a two-vehicle motorcycle crash while driving to the city’s training center this morning.

Moses Russ was traveling on Moreland Avenue SE near McDonough Boulevard when his motorcycle collided with an SUV. Russ was in his 16th week of training with APD Recruit Class #302. Two fellow recruits traveling behind him witnessed the collision and immediately attempted to render aid. Russ was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

“Our hearts are heavy,” said Police Chief Darin Schierbaum during a joint press conference with Mayor Andre Dickens. “Moses Russ was a young man dedicated to public service, whose life was cut short just weeks before he would have worn the badge.”

“He was preparing to serve the public, preparing to serve you as citizens and members of this great region,” Mayor Dickens said.

“So we ask that the city of Atlanta and all in the metro region pray and give their thoughts and give their heartfelt condolences to this family,” Mayor Dickens said. “And I mean family, including his family… that he’s born into, but this family of law enforcement and the city of Atlanta.”

A Life of Public Service

Russ was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He also served two years at the Atlanta City Detention Center before joining the APD.

He recently completed high-profile training operations in downtown Atlanta ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

It was during his work at the event that caught the department’s notice, said the city’s police chief

“Over 700 officers, this young man caught his attention,” Schierbaum said.

Department Actions and Family Arrangements

Training for Recruit Class #302 has been temporarily suspended. The department is providing grief counselors and chaplains to support the class and Russ’s family.

The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and was not injured. The APD Accident Investigations Unit is handling the ongoing investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.

Officer Russ’s family have not yet announced funeral plans.