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.

WATCH: Tense moments as gunfire pins down officers during eviction notice incident

FLORIDA DEPUTY WITH 25 YEARS OF SERVICE FATALLY SHOT DURING EVICTION NOTICE; SUSPECT AND LOCKSMITH ALSO INJURED: SHERIFF

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.

MANHUNT UNDERWAY AFTER US MARSHAL DEPUTY SHOT AND KILLED IN HOUSTON

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.

VIDEO SHOWS POLICE OFFICER AMBUSHED IN PATROL CAR IN EXPLOSION OF GUNFIRE, SUSPECT FOUND DEAD AFTER SHOOTOUT

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.”

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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.

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

In an unexpected twist during Wednesday night’s live finale of “Survivor 50,” host Jeff Probst inadvertently let slip a crucial outcome of the competition.

The seasoned host, 64, unwittingly disclosed that contestant Rizo Velovic was defeated in the pivotal fire-making challenge, which determines who progresses to the Final Three. This revelation came before the segment was broadcast, leaving viewers in suspense.

During the live event in Los Angeles, Probst commented, “Camp life is also about fire-making,” as Velovic stood by his side on the stage.

He then continued, somewhat absentmindedly, “I don’t know if there’s something in there to think about. Anyway, Rizo, you’ve become the final member of our jury. Take a spot over here,” inadvertently confirming Velovic’s loss and subsequent elimination from the competition.

“This is it. These are our people. Their games fell a little short, but this is the group that is going to…” Probst added before suddenly stopping.

“What just happened?” he asked.

Several contestants seated nearby quickly pointed out the mistake, telling Probst, “The fire hasn’t happened yet.”

“Huh?” Probst replied as cast members continued speaking over one another. “Keep going,” someone yelled from off camera.

“I’m not even sure what’s happened,” Probst admitted before CBS cut to commercial.

When the broadcast returned, Probst addressed the mix-up.

“Alright, so, I love doing live television,” he said as the audience cheered.

“In case you’re confused, this is what happened. We were going to show you fire-making, and then have the loser of fire-making, Rizo, come out and talk about if he had practiced fire-making maybe he would’ve won.

“Instead, we did a ‘Survivor’ twist, it’s the last twist of the season. We call it, ‘A peek into the future.’ So now, we’re going to watch Rizo lose in a fire to Jonathan.”

The fire-making challenge had been filmed months earlier in Fiji. The segment showed Jonathan Young defeating Velovic to secure a spot in the Final Three.

Probst then introduced the footage by telling the audience to “watch Rizo lose!”

Fans quickly reacted to the on-air mistake on social media.

“As someone who missed the Will Smith slap live, this was the wildest live TV moment I’ve ever seen. RIP to whoever just lost their job,” one viewer wrote.

“Welp we’re never getting a live finale again,” another posted.

“It’s incredible – but handled it very well. It was funny. We all knew who was going to win fire. All good,” a third added.

Aubry Bracco was ultimately crowned the winner of “Survivor 50,” defeating Young and Joe Hunter at the Final Tribal Council to win the $2 million prize.

The live TV mishap came just one week after Probst responded to fan criticism that “Survivor” has become less cutthroat in recent years.

“We experiment with all kinds of new ideas, and we tried to usher in the most unpredictability we’ve ever had,” Probst told Variety.

“Whether or not you like the season is subjective, but it’s not that something didn’t work. We’ve made bad choices in the past. I just don’t think we did in 50.”

A male model facing allegations of fatally stabbing his personal trainer spouse appeared noticeably altered during his court appearance on Wednesday.

Donald Zieben-Hood, aged 41, who once boasted an Instagram following of over 67,000, presented himself in casual tan prison attire as he stood before a New York judge. He faces serious charges, including burglary, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, linked to the death of his husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, on August 1, 2025.

With a confident demeanor, Donald listened as his attorneys petitioned for his release on bail. They proposed that his mother, a retired educator battling a brain aneurysm, would cover the bail amount. Additionally, his legal team assured the court that Donald would comply with electronic monitoring.

However, the judge ultimately refused the bail request, citing Donald’s apparent disregard for the legal system and the court’s authority.

The judge highlighted Donald’s alleged history of defying several protective orders that Jacob had obtained. The accusations include repeatedly breaching Jacob’s residence and issuing threats prior to the tragic incident.

Then on July 31, just hours before his death, prosecutors say Jacob, 34, made a desperate call to his father warning that his husband was ‘coming after him.’ 

He sent photos of fresh injuries, including cuts to his face, head and a large bleeding gash in his leg.

By 4am the next morning, police were back at the couple’s apartment on West 146th Street in New York City.

Inside, they found Jacob dead in the bathroom, his body still on the toilet, with stab wounds to his leg and a head injury.

Donald Zieben-Hood, 41, appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges including burglary, assault and criminal possession of a weapon

The two were celebrating their 10-year anniversary on the night of Jacob’s death 

Officers described a chaotic crime scene with blood smeared on the furniture, walls, floor, and counters, suggesting there had been a violent struggle. 

Court documents obtained by the New York Post revealed the couple had been celebrating their 10 year anniversary the night before, when they got into the explosive fight. 

Donald was arrested at the scene, when he allegedly pleaded with officers to tell him how his husband died.

‘I want to know how he died because I don’t want it to be because of me,’ he told the officers at the scene, according to the court documents. ‘If he committed suicide or if he freaking OD’ed on some stupid a** drugs.

‘I’m never going to see him again,’ Donald then lamented, noting: ‘This was our 10-year f***ing anniversary.’

The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that Jacob died from ‘multiple blunt and sharp force injuries’ to his legs and other parts of his body. 

Officials also cited ‘acute alcohol and lorazepam intoxication and chronic alcohol use’ as contributing factors.

Yet Donald will not face homicide charges in connection with Jacob’s death.

Donald Zieben-Hood wore a smug expression on his face as his lawyers tried to get him released on bail, which they said his mother – a retired school teacher who has a brain aneurysm – would pay for

Donald (left) was arrested following Jacob’s (right) death and is being held at Riker’s Island

Prosecutors announced the decision in March, noting there was ‘reasonable doubt’ about whether multiple stab wounds Jacob sustained from the fight would have caused his death alone.

Assistant District Attorney Samantha LiTrenta also revealed in court at the time that Jacob had a blood alcohol level of 0.40 percent – which is considered potentially fatal – mixed with valium in his system at his death.

Those substances could have killed him even if he had not been stabbed.

Still, prosecutors say Donald engaged in a pattern of abuse in the lead up to Jacob’s death.

Donald (left) was accused of stabbing his husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood (right), who was later found dead in the bathroom

In February 2025, police say Donald strangled Jacob during a beating that left him nearly unconscious. Then in June, he allegedly returned with a knife, prompting a third restraining order.

If convicted on the assault and burglary charges, Donald could now face up to 25 years in prison.

He is due back in court on August 12. 

A Brooklyn mother who tragically ended the lives of her three children by drowning them in the Atlantic Ocean near the iconic Coney Island boardwalk is set to spend many years in prison.

Erin Merdy, aged 34, received her sentence on Wednesday after admitting guilt to first-degree murder charges earlier this year for the 2022 deaths of her 7-year-old son Zachary, her 4-year-old daughter Liliana, and her 3-month-old son Oliver.

“No sentence can truly capture the enormity of losing a seven-year-old, a four-year-old, and a three-month-old infant, nor the enduring sorrow their family will bear,” stated Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

“We pursued the most severe accountability possible in this heart-wrenching situation, and although nothing can return these children to their loved ones, this sentence ensures that the defendant is held responsible for their deaths,” he continued.

JUDGE HANDS DOWN SENTENCE TO NEVADA MOTHER FOR DROWNING HER YOUNG SON AND DAUGHTER: ‘YOUR CASE WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER’

New York Police investigators examine a stretch of beach at Coney Island where three children were found dead in the surf, Sept. 12, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Joseph Frederick)

Gonzalez said the children’s lives were taken “in the most heartbreaking and unthinkable way.”

The children were found the morning of Sept. 12, 2022, after one of Merdy’s relatives called 911 expressing concern the children might be in danger.

Prosecutors said Merdy left the beach around 1:25 a.m. and began walking toward the apartment of the father of her youngest child.

COLLEGE STUDENT ACCUSED OF LETTING NEWBORN DROWN – POLICE REVEAL PHONE PHOTOS OF ‘HATED MOM’ CASEY ANTHONY

The children of Erin Merdy, 30, were found unconscious near the shoreline of Coney Island Beach during a frantic overnight search early Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. (Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Authorities later found Merdy barefoot and soaking wet about two miles from where the children were discovered.

According to prosecutors, Merdy repeatedly said the children were gone and that she was sorry.

The children’s bodies were recovered hours later along the shoreline just steps from the boardwalk.

MELODEE BUZZARD’S GRANDMOTHER SHREDS POSSIBLE INSANITY DEFENSE FOR ACCUSED KILLER MOM: ‘PLANNED EVERYTHING’

A Brooklyn woman was sentenced to decades in prison in connection with the drowning deaths of her three children. (Theodore Parisienne/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The city medical examiner ruled the deaths homicides caused by drowning.

Prosecutors said surveillance video showed Merdy walking toward the ocean with the children shortly before 1 a.m.

Merdy’s mother told the New York Daily News at the time that her daughter had recently struggled with mental health issues and may have been experiencing postpartum depression.

“I reached out to her yesterday and she said she was doing laundry and I said I wanted to speak to the kids,” Jacqueline Scott, 56, told the outlet. “I tried to call her twice on the phone after that and there was no answer.”

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For the first time since the onset of the conflict in Iran, gas prices have surged past $4 per gallon across all states, just as millions of Americans gear up for Memorial Day travel.

As reported by AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline hit $4.56 on Wednesday. Prices vary significantly, peaking at $6.15 in California and dipping to $4.01 in Georgia.

This steep increase, over $1.50 since the beginning of the Iran-related conflict, is largely attributed to disruptions in oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven energy costs skyward.