Police Strike Suspect With Vehicle Following Officer’s Death in Shocking Incident

A Tulare County Sheriff's Office deputy was recently shot and killed in Porterville, California. Authorities said the suspect was later struck by an armored vehicle.

"We intentionally ran him over. Don't shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we're gonna run you over," Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said during a press conference, according to ABC7.

According to a Facebook post shared by the Tulare County Sheriff's Office on April 10, 2026, TCSO Deputies were in the area of Newcomb Avenue and Grand Avenue in Porterville serving an eviction notice at around 10:20 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when 60-year-old David Morales allegedly opened fire, striking Deputy Randy Hoppert, 35.

The deputy was later rushed to Sierra View District Hospital, where he sadly passed away.

Authorities asked residents in the area to shelter in place and placed nearby schools on lockdown.

"Sheriff Boudreaux has met with the fallen Deputy’s family and offered his deepest condolences. All of us at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office are shocked and incredibly saddened by today’s tragic events. We ask that you keep our Deputy’s grieving family in your prayers," the Facebook post stated.

According to the Visalia Times-Delta, Hoppert was a six-year veteran of the force and previously served as a Navy corpsman from 2010 to 2015.

The outlet reported that Morales allegedly escaped through a window after the shooting while dressed in camouflage and carrying a rifle. Authorities said he hid in nearby bushes and temporarily avoided capture.

During a press conference, Sheriff Boudreaux announced that by 6 p.m., a BearCat SWAT vehicle had run over him and killed Morales.

The following day, Boudreaux sat with Action News and called Hoppert his friend.

"He shot and killed one of my friends. Because he lost his life, I don't have any sympathy for him. My sympathy and compassion go to the wife," Boudreaux said.

He continued:

"We have 34 officers that are on administrative leave today, not because anybody did anything wrong, but we want them to receive counseling."

During the press conference, the sheriff said authorities considered using a medevac helicopter to transport Hoppert to a trauma center in Fresno, California. However, due to his critical condition, they were unable to airlift him.

According to authorities, Morales, who reportedly had no prior criminal history and owned 18 registered handguns, had failed to pay rent for 35 days and anticipated law enforcement's arrival with a final eviction notice.

"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 him waiting," the sheriff said.

In another statement, the sheriff further added:

"The police did a really good job keeping us informed and keeping us in the know of what's going on."

Hoppert is survived by his mother, sister, two sons and his wife, who is four months pregnant.