California suspect who shot deputy run over 'intentionally', sheriff says 'he got what he deserved'

PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA: A deputy from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office was killed on Thursday, April 9, during a violent confrontation while carrying out an eviction. 

According to Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, deputies were serving an eviction notice at a residence on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street at about 10:40 am when the first gunfire erupted. The suspect was identified as David Morales, and he was armed.

Following the attack, Boudreaux made a strong statement, saying, "Don't shoot a cop. You shoot a cop, we're going to run you over. He got run over. He got what he deserved. They intentionally ran him over."

Eviction standoff ends in deadly shooting and deputy’s death 

Authorities said the situation began as a final eviction notice after the suspect failed to pay rent for 35 days. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said the suspect was already expecting law enforcement to arrive.

The suspect, David Morales (born in 1966), then barricaded himself inside the home. He was believed to be armed with a high-powered rifle. When deputies tried to make contact, multiple rounds were exchanged.

During the shooting, Detective Randy Hoppert was struck. A tactical rescue team pulled him from the scene and rushed him to Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville, where he later died. 

Officials said there was discussion about using a medical evacuation helicopter to transfer him to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. However, his condition was too unstable for air transport.

Sheriff Boudreaux said Morales intentionally ran over the deputy during the incident.

As per ABC 30, Hoppert served in the US Navy from 2010 to 2015. He later joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office on January 5, 2020.

Large police operation launched after deadly incident  

A major police operation was launched after the incident, with SWAT teams deployed and homes cleared across several blocks for safety.  Crisis negotiators and multiple agencies joined the response, while a helicopter helped search for the suspect.

Nearby schools, Westfield Elementary, Sequoia Middle School and Monache High School, were placed in secure status to protect students. Sheriff Boudreaux said Morales left the house and moved through nearby yards in camouflage and tactical gear. 

A SWAT BearCat vehicle found him in one of the yards. Officers said Morales was on the ground but then fired at the armored vehicle. In response, officers inside ran over him, killing him. The sheriff said the motive is still unknown and that Morales had no criminal record.