Moats was a 32-year-old father of three young children, and a nine-year department veteran. After spending much of his time as motorcycle officer, he was assigned to a drug task force in May.
“We know this tragedy will bring our community closer together and that will be a lasting legacy of Officer Moats,” said Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp.
Moats is Tennessee’s second law enforcement officer killed on duty this month. Special Agent De'Greaun Frazier was shot to death on Aug. 9 during an undercover drug buy for the Tennessee Bureau in Jackson.
“Words alone cannot express the bravery of these professionals or the loss to their families and the communities they served,” said U.S. Attorney Nancy Harr.
