“Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over” – Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux
UPDATE: PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A Tulare County Sheriff’s Office detective was shot and killed during a confrontation in Porterville on Thursday.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said that deputies were serving an eviction notice at a home on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street around 10:40 a.m. when they were shot at.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as 59-year-old David Morales, barricaded himself inside the home and was armed with a high-powered rifle. Deputies scattered for cover as shots rang out.
Detective Randy Hoppert was struck, and after a tactical rescue was taken to Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville, where he later died.
Sheriff Boudreaux said officials considered using a medivac helicopter to transport Hoppert to the trauma center at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, but the detective’s condition was too volatile for air transport.
Morales was killed after being run over by an armored “BearCat” vehicle after nearly seven hours of terror. “The suspect was lying prone on the ground, in camouflage clothing, continuing to pose a threat,” Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said later during a news conference. “The situation was resolved, and the suspect is now dead. He was not shot. One of the BearCats ran over him and killed him.”
“Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over,” Boudreaux said.
Morales’ motive is unclear, as he had no prior criminal history. Despite having 18 registered handguns, the Sheriff says Morales used a rifle to shoot at deputies.
“This situation went from a civil order of removal to where our officer was shot and killed. This is senseless,” Boudreaux said.
Hoppert served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2015 and joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office on January 5, 2020.
He leaves behind a wife who is four months pregnant.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer released the following statement, calling Thursday a “tragic day in the Central Valley:”
“Today is a tragic day in the Central Valley. A Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy was taken from us in a senseless act of violence while serving and protecting his community.
This loss goes far beyond one department, it’s felt across all law enforcement and throughout our Valley.
The result has left a pregnant wife without her husband, and young children to grow up without their father. The reality of this loss is truly heartbreaking. We are praying for the deputy’s family. Our hearts are with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and all those who serve. We are devastated by this loss.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement, “Deputy Hoppert gave his life in service to his community. Jennifer and I join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his profound loss. His selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting others stand as a lasting example of honor and duty. Deputy Hoppert’s legacy will endure, and his sacrifice will always be remembered. In honor of Deputy Hoppert, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.”
Visalia Police Department: Our hearts are heavy today. This morning in Porterville, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies came under fire while serving an eviction notice. A detective who responded to assist was struck and, despite a courageous rescue effort, later passed away from his injuries.
This tragedy hits close to home. They are our neighbors, our partners, our extended family, and today we grieve alongside them. Please keep this deputy’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for strength, for comfort, and for peace. And please keep all the officers still on scene in your prayers as they continue to face this dangerous and heartbreaking situation together.
