Gunfire erupted in a quiet Central California cul-de-sac following a tense standoff that tragically resulted in the death of a police officer and the suspect being neutralized by law enforcement.
A neighbor captured the dramatic events in Porterville, California, on video. The footage, obtained by Fox News Digital, shows the standoff reaching its climax at 10:40 a.m. local time on Thursday.
In the video, officers can be heard urgently shouting, “Get down, get down,” while sirens blare in the background.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux addressed the media afterward, shedding light on the tragic incident that unfolded when a sheriff’s detective was fatally shot while serving an eviction notice. The suspect, armed with a rifle, reportedly ambushed the deputies.
During the press briefing, Sheriff Boudreaux identified the suspect as David Eric Morales. He explained that Morales was ultimately killed by a law enforcement BearCat armored vehicle after he refused to surrender and continued to fire at officers.
“The suspect was lying on the ground, clad in camouflage, and still posed a serious threat,” Boudreaux stated. “The incident concluded with the suspect’s death. He was not shot; instead, a BearCat vehicle ran over him, resulting in his death.”
Authorities said Morales remained barricaded in his home for hours after the shooting, firing repeatedly as deputies and assisting agencies worked to contain the scene.
Tulare County Sherrif Mike Boudreaux holds a news conference in Vasalia, California on Jan. 17, 2023. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The killed officer was identified as Deputy Randy Hoppert.
Boudreaux said that Hoppert was struck by gunfire and transported to Sierra View District Hospital, where he died at 11:57 a.m.
Hoppert was a Navy corpsman who served from 2010 to 2015 and joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 5, 2020, Boudreaux said.
“We offer our heartfelt sympathies to the family of our fallen Deputy and to the entire Tulare County Sheriff’s Office,” Tulare County Chair Amy Shuklian said. “This profound loss underscores the inherent risks our first responders brave daily to ensure the safety of our community.”
Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detective Randy Hoppert was killed in the line of duty in Porterville, California on April 9. (Clovis Police Department)
Boudreaux said Morales had not paid rent for 35 days, and deputies were serving a final eviction notice when the shooting occurred.
During the standoff, Morales fired at law enforcement vehicles and equipment, including a drone that was shot out of the air, while multiple tactical vehicles took gunfire, according to Boudreaux.
The sheriff said Morales appeared to have been waiting for deputies and “laid in wait” before opening fire, prompting a call for additional units.
Boudreaux described the outcome in blunt terms.
“Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over. He got run over. He got what he deserved,” the sheriff said.
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