In a startling turn of events, the sheriff’s department has released video footage capturing the moment deputies used a Bearcat vehicle to fatally run over an armed suspect. This incident followed a tragic shootout where the gunman had already killed a detective.
The suspect, 59-year-old David Morales, was killed on April 9 when deputies responded to his Porterville, California home to serve an eviction notice.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office called in support from Kern County deputies when the gunfire broke out.
According to authorities, Morales began shooting at officers as soon as they arrived at his residence.
After initially firing from inside his home, Morales escalated the situation by exiting in camouflage and continuing to fire at deputies from his yard.
Several hours later, SWAT teams arrived on the scene with the Bearcat vehicle and made multiple attempts to subdue the situation using force.
SWAT operators located Morales hiding in thick brush in the backyard, lying on his back in a shooting position with a rifle in his hand, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
The video revealed Morales appearing to hide in a tree and reach for a gun before he was plowed over by the armored vehicle.
Shocking video footage, pictured above, has revealed the moments an armored vehicle plowed over an armed suspect after gunfire was exchanged with officers
Authorities said the drone footage shows the suspect, David Morales, moving his arm to grab a rifle before the vehicle runs him over
Deputies from two departments were engaged in a multi-hour shootout after responding to serve an eviction notice. The suspect, David Morales, is pictured
Kern County Sheriff’s Office also released body camera footage from two officers involved in the incident.
One of the officers from inside the vehicle screamed ‘gunshot’ as Morales unleashed bullets onto the front of the Bearcat.
The video showed the moments when bullets penetrated the armored plating on the Bearcat and damaged the vehicle’s ballistic glass.
Authorities said that Morales had multiple firearms, including 18 registered handguns. The rifles he used in the shootout were not legally registered in his name.
Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert, 35, was shot and killed in the gunfire. He had been with the department for six years and previously served in the Navy.
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux did not mince words when recounting the details of the cinematic exchange.
‘We intentionally ran him over,’ he declared at a press conference after the shooting.
‘Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over,’ Boudreaux continued. ‘He got run over; he got what he deserved.’
The shocking shootout transpired after deputies responded to serve an eviction notice in Porterville, California. A map of where the incident occurred is pictured above
The sheriff’s department also released body camera footage, which revealed the moment bullets sprayed the armored plating on the Bearcat and damaged the vehicle’s ballistic glass, pictured above
Hoppert was one of the first officers who arrived on the scene to serve the eviction notice. He was shot in the head and later died at a local hospital.
Crisis negotiators also responded to the scene while Morales’ family urged him to come out peacefully.
Meanwhile, residents in the neighborhood were evacuated by SWAT teams or urged to shelter in place for several hours, and nearby schools were on lockdown.
‘This is senseless,’ Boudreaux said.
‘We wanted him to come out peacefully, but he pushed back against that,’ the sheriff continued. ‘He was in camouflage clothing and continued shooting at officers to the point that he shot and killed one of our own. He created this.’
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux defiantly declared that Morales ‘got what he deserved’ after a detective was killed in the line of fire
Authorities released evidence images, pictured above, of the firearms Morales was possessing at the time of the shootout
Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert, 35, pictured above, was killed during the shootout on April 9
Governor Gavin Newsom said Hoppert’s legacy will endure after his tragic death and ordered flags to fly at half-staff
The sheriff added that the incident made ‘no sense,’ and Morales was not wanted for anything.
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to fly at half-staff following the officer’s death.
‘His selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting others stand as a lasting example of honor and duty,’ Newsom added in a statement. ‘Deputy Hoppert’s legacy will endure, and his sacrifice will always be remembered.’
The Visalia Police Department is leading an ongoing investigation into the bizarre shootout.
Kern County deputies are coordinating with VPD in a separate use-of-force investigation.
