WATCH: Eviction standoff turns war zone as gunman kills deputy in ambush, gets run over by armored vehicle
Share this @internewscast.com

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 California Sheriff Mike Boudreaux

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 Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaking at a press conference in Visalia, California

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

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.

<!–>

–>

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago Abortion Fund, Planned Parenthood Illinois react after court restricts abortion access, blocks mailing of Mifepristone

Illinois Abortion Rights Under Siege: How New Court Ruling Impacts Access and Medication

A federal appellate court has imposed new limitations on one of the…
Court restricts abortion access across the US by blocking the mailing of mifepristone

Court Curtails Nationwide Abortion Access by Halting Mifepristone Mail Distribution

The accessibility of one of the most commonly used abortion methods in…
Savannah Guthrie reveals new details in mom’s disappearance that don’t add up as questions haunt case: expert

Three Months Post-Abduction: Sheriff’s Office Intensifies Search for Answers in Nancy Guthrie Case

Savannah Guthrie reveals terrifying new clues in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case Savannah…
Iranian dad fatally beaten for using Starlink during web blackout; karate champ executed over protest: reports

Tragic Fallout in Iran: Father Killed for Starlink Use Amid Internet Blackout; Karate Champion Executed Over Protests

The oppressive Iranian regime is facing international condemnation following reports of the…
3 people shot on Skid Row as suspect delivers grim message to victims before pulling the trigger

Tragic Shooting on Skid Row: Suspect Delivers Ominous Message Before Opening Fire on Three Victims

In a chilling encounter on Thursday night, a gunman ominously declared, “this…
Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey

Unmasking Voter Fraud: Four Noncitizens Charged with Illegal Voting in NJ Elections

Federal prosecutors announced on Friday that four noncitizens have been charged with…
Congressman vows to find answers in missing, deceased scientists cases as Trump gives update on investigation

Congressman Pledges to Uncover Truth in Cases of Missing and Deceased Scientists as Trump Provides Investigation Update

A U.S. congressman made a commitment on Thursday to unravel the enigma…
Missing Republican state Senate candidate found dead in truck days after disappearance

Republican State Senate Candidate Discovered Deceased in Truck Following Days-Long Search

A Republican candidate for the Oklahoma state Senate, who was reported missing…
Georgia driver Jerry Ross allegedly ran over two cyclists riding along road

Georgia Motorist Jerry Ross Accused of Striking Two Cyclists on Roadway

A senior driver is under scrutiny for allegedly plowing through a group…
Illegal immigrant suspected in Chandra Levy murder may have escaped justice after botched probe: detective

Detective Suggests Flawed Investigation May Have Allowed Suspect in Chandra Levy Case to Evade Justice

Two and a half decades have passed since Washington intern Chandra Levy…
Two Kentucky bank employees shot and killed during robbery, police hunting suspect

Tragic Kentucky Bank Heist: Suspect on the Run After Fatal Shooting of Two Employees

Tragedy struck a Kentucky bank on Thursday as a robbery escalated into…
FBI, Secret Service probe Wisconsin brewery owner over free beer offer after alleged Trump killing attempt

FBI and Secret Service Investigate Wisconsin Brewery Owner for Free Beer Offer Linked to Alleged Trump Assassination Plot

The FBI and Secret Service have launched an inquiry following a controversial…