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A tragic scene unfolded in a quiet Central California neighborhood when a prolonged standoff resulted in the death of a police officer, with the suspect being subsequently neutralized by law enforcement.
Footage from a neighbor, shared by Fox News Digital, captured the tense standoff in Porterville, California, which erupted at 10:40 a.m. on Thursday. The video reveals officers shouting, “Get down, get down,” amidst the wailing of sirens.
During a press briefing, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux detailed the incident, explaining that the suspect, David Eric Morales, was fatally struck by a BearCat armored vehicle. This occurred after Morales, armed with a rifle, ambushed deputies serving an eviction notice and continued to fire without any intention of surrendering.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks during a news conference, Thursday, after a California sheriff’s detective was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice after a suspect allegedly ambushed deputies with a rifle. (Courtesy KBFX-KBAK )
In a news conference following the shooting, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said that the suspect, identified as David Eric Morales, was ultimately killed when a law enforcement BearCat armored vehicle ran over him after he continued firing and refused to surrender.
“The suspect was lying prone on the ground, in camouflage clothing, continuing to pose a threat,” Boudreaux said. “The situation was resolved, and the suspect is now dead. He was not shot. One of the BearCats ran over him and killed him.”
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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