Press Conference: On September 1, 2026, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, and Atlanta Department of Corrections Chief Dancy provided an update to the public regarding the traffic collision that claimed the life of APD Recruit Moses Russ, while also recognizing the impact of this tragic loss on Recruit Russ’s family, classmates, academy staff and the entire Atlanta Police Department.
Recruit Russ was on his way to the academy, beginning his journey to become an Atlanta Police Officer, when the fatal collision occurred.
The Atlanta Police Department wants to extend sincere appreciation to Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) and other public safety agencies.
Preliminary Information: On 09/1/26, around 7:20 am, officers responded to an accident at the location of Moreland Ave & McDonough Blvd. Upon arrival, officers located both vehicles involved, a Nissan Kicks and a Kawasaki Ninja. motorcycle. The female driver of the Nissan sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was evaluated by Grady EMS. The male operating the Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle was transported to Grady by EMS services, where he was later pronounced deceased.
We can confirm that the decedent was an employee of the Atlanta Police Department.
The APD Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Preliminary investigation indicates the male was operating a motorcycle south on Moreland through the intersection. The operator of the Nissan was traveling northbound and attempted a left turn onto McDonough. Both collided at the intersection. The Accident Investigations Unit will resume lead to determine all contributing factors of the collision.
Please keep in mind the information is preliminary in nature and can change as the investigation progresses and new information comes to light.
