Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every time they suit up for work, not knowing whether they'll be able to come home to their loved ones at the end of the day.
Unfortunately, some don't, and, tragically, this scenario played out on Thursday in Tulare County, California, when deputies went to serve an eviction notice on a man. The suspect, 59-year-old David Eric Morales, resisted, and the result was a seven-hour standoff that left Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert, 35, dead:
The shooting happened about 10:20 a.m. near Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue. Deputies attempted to serve an eviction notice to 59-year-old David Eric Morales, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said. Boudreaux said Morales had been notified about a month earlier that he would need to leave his home.
“This was the day where he was going to be spoken to by us to say you must leave. He knew this. He armed himself and prepared himself and he laid [in wait],” Boudreaux said.
Authorities said Morales opened fire with a rifle, prompting an officer-involved shooting and a large response from multiple agencies, including Porterville police, Visalia police and the California Highway Patrol.
Here's a short video, presumably taken by a neighbor, showing the intensity of the scene:
VIDEO: Heavy gunfire as suspect pins down cops, opens fire during eviction notice in Porterville, California.
— Noteworthy News (@newsnoteworthy) April 9, 2026
A Tulare County Sheriff’s deputy has been shot and killed during the confrontation, and the suspect is currently barricaded with a high powered rifle, per the sheriff. pic.twitter.com/rM4zhXzr6b
At some point, Morales exited the home through a window and found a hiding spot, where he continued engaging in gunfire with the officers.
SEE ALSO: Florida Sheriff Shuts Down Woke Reporter and Provides Vital Explainer on Blue State ICE Surge
Eventually, however, he met his fate courtesy of a BearCat vehicle. Sheriff Boudreaux did not mince words while discussing the decision to run Morales over:
Authorities said the standoff ended when a BearCat vehicle struck and killed Morales. Boudreaux said, “We intentionally ran him over.” He added, “Don't shoot at cops, if you shoot a cop, we are going to run you over. He got run over, he got what he deserves.”
Watch:
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux on the suspect who killed a California detective while deputies attempted to serve an eviction notice: “We intentionally ran him over… Don’t shoot at cops. If you shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over.”
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) April 10, 2026
“He got run over. He got what he… pic.twitter.com/oJbSgWbCcq
Deputy shot and killed in Porterville, California has been identified as Detective Randy Hoppert of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) April 10, 2026
The suspect, identified as David Eric Morales, was struck by a SWAT BearCat vehicle and later died, authorities said. https://t.co/isFbec4FSF pic.twitter.com/ZfCYKeFEz3
"We have a four-month-old baby that will never know his or her father," Boudreaux stated about Hoppert, a U.S. Navy veteran whose wife is four months pregnant. "This is senseless. I'm angered over the whole thing."
Please remember Deputy Hoppert and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Editor’s Note: The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law and order agenda.
Help us fight back against the Democrats and Soros-backed DAs that refuse to enforce our laws to hold criminals accountable. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member