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The gripping conclusion of a fatal altercation in California is vividly depicted in newly released bodycam and drone footage, showcasing the moment deputies in an armored BearCat vehicle neutralized an armed suspect. This individual had allegedly slain Tulare County Deputy Randy Hoppert during a tense standoff.
On Tuesday, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a nearly seven-minute compilation. The footage merges body-worn camera views with thermal drone imagery and slow-motion sequences, capturing the intense gunfight that ensued after 59-year-old David Morales allegedly ambushed deputies delivering an eviction notice in Porterville on April 9.
The video reveals deputies seeking refuge behind patrol vehicles as shots ring out across the neighborhood, while SWAT teams strategically maneuver armored vehicles into position surrounding the suspect’s residence.
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The video shows the massive tactical response that followed as Kern County Sheriff’s Office SWAT operators arrived with armored vehicles, including a BearCat and a Rook, to help evacuate nearby residents and contain Morales.
Authorities said Morales continued firing from inside the home for hours while tactical teams attempted to negotiate his surrender.
At around 5:30 p.m., investigators said Morales opened fire on the armored Rook vehicle, with rounds penetrating armor plating and damaging ballistic glass.
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Thermal drone footage released by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office shows suspect David Morales armed with a rifle during the deadly Porterville standoff following the killing of Deputy Randy Hoppert. (Kern County Sheriff’s Office)
The video then shows Morales climbing out of a window and fleeing into thick brush in the backyard while armed with a rifle and wearing camouflage and a mask.
Drone footage and bodycam video captured Morales lying beneath a tree while aiming a rifle at the driver of the BearCat, according to investigators.
Authorities said deputies determined Morales continued posing an imminent threat and used the BearCat as a means of deadly force.
BODYCAM FOOTAGE SHOWS CHAOTIC MOMENTS LEADING UP TO FATAL OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING
Drone video shows a Kern County Sheriff’s Office BearCat armored vehicle maneuvering through a backyard during the deadly Porterville standoff involving suspect David Morales after Tulare County Deputy Randy Hoppert was killed. (Kern County Sheriff’s Office)
The footage shows the BearCat accelerating toward Morales as gunfire erupts. Investigators said Morales fired multiple rounds that struck the driver’s side window and underside of the armored vehicle during the encounter.
Deputies backed away and then re-engaged Morales a second time, according to the video.
Authorities said Morales continued manipulating his rifle and reached for a handgun in his waistband after the second impact.
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Deputies then used the BearCat to run over Morales a third and final time.
“The suspect was lying prone on the ground, in camouflage clothing, continuing to pose a threat,” Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said after the incident. “The situation was resolved, and the suspect is now dead. He was not shot. One of the BearCats ran over him and killed him.”
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Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks about a California sheriff’s detective who was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice after deputies were ambushed with a rifle in Porterville, Calif. (Courtesy KBFX-KBAK)
The sheriff later defended the tactics used to stop Morales in blunt terms.
“Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re gonna run you over,” Boudreaux said. “He got run over. He got what he deserved.”
Authorities said the confrontation began earlier that morning when deputies arrived at Morales’ home to serve a final eviction notice after he allegedly failed to pay rent for 35 days. Investigators said Morales appeared to have “laid in wait” before opening fire on deputies with a high-powered rifle.
Hoppert, a former Navy corpsman who joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office in 2020, was struck during the ambush and rushed to Sierra View District Hospital, where he later died.
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Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Detective Randy Hoppert was killed in the line of duty in Porterville, California on April 9. (Clovis Police Department)
Authorities considered airlifting Hoppert to Fresno for treatment, but his condition was too unstable.
“This situation went from a civil order of removal to where our officer was shot and killed. This is senseless,” Boudreaux said.
Boudreaux also described the emotional aftermath of the shooting, saying he met with Hoppert’s family at the hospital following the deputy’s death.
“I sat down at the hospital and met with the wife and his mom, and I can tell you there is no consoling that family at this point,” Boudreaux said. “Attacks on law enforcement of this nature must stop.”
On May 12, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Incident Review Board determined the use of force was within department policy. The case will also be reviewed by the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.