PORTERVILLE, Calif. — A Tulare County Sheriff’s Office detective was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice at a home in Porterville, California on Thursday, according to authorities.
Sheriff Boudreaux said that deputies were serving the notice at a home on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street around 10:40 a.m. When shots were fired.
Authorities said the 60-year-old suspect, identified as David Morales, barricaded himself inside the home and was believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle. Multiple shots were exchanged.
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.
Fallen detective leaves behind pregnant wife
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. His grandfather previously served as a Tulare County undersheriff.
Deadly confrontation during eviction
Boudreaux said the eviction involved a final notice after the suspect failed to pay rent for 35 days and was expecting law enforcement to arrive.
He said Morales “laid in wait,” and deputies immediately came under gunfire when they arrived to serve the notice.
The detective who was killed was part of the group of officers who responded to assist.
Boudreaux said the detective died around noon, approximately 60 to 80 minutes after the eviction process began.
Heavy law enforcement response unfolds
Several SWAT teams were deployed to the area, and Sheriff Boudreaux said homes across four blocks were cleared as a precaution.
Crisis negotiators responded to the scene, with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting. The California Highway Patrol also deployed a helicopter equipped with specialized technology to help locate the suspect.
Westfield Elementary, Sequoia Middle School and Monache High School were placed in a secure status, with students safe inside.
RELATED: Porterville school campuses secured during ongoing deputyinvolved shooting response
Boudreaux also confirmed the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom requested a briefing on the situation.
Suspect killed during evening operation
At around 6 p.m., Sheriff Boudreaux said Morales had left the home and was moving through the yards of at least three nearby houses while wearing tactical equipment, and camouflage.
Boudreaux said a Kern County SWAT team drove a BearCat vehicle into a yard where Morales was located.
Morales was found lying prone on the ground and started firing at the armored vehicles.
The officers inside made the decision to run over the suspect, killing him.
Boudreaux described Morales’ motive as unclear, noting he had no prior criminal record, not even a traffic ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial law enforcement presence in Porterville?
Deputies were serving an eviction notice at a home on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street.
What was known about the suspect, David Morales?
Authorities said Morales was 60 years old and had no prior criminal record.
What happened to Detective Randy Hoppert?
Detective Hoppert was struck by gunfire, transported to Sierra View Medical Center, and died at 11:20 a.m.
As communities grapple with the loss of Detective Hoppert, what steps can be taken to support law enforcement families and address the underlying factors contributing to such tragedies?
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