From Newsgroup: alt.law-enforcement

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (FOX26) rCo Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux
provided a new update Thursday afternoon following a deadly
deputy-involved shooting in Porterville.

Sheriff Boudreaux confirmed the fallen deputy has been identified as 35-year-old Detective Randy Hoppert, a five-year veteran of the
department and former Navy corpsman who served from 2010 to 2015.

The sheriff added the detective leaves behind a wife and a
four-month-old baby.

Hoppert was hired by the Tulare County SheriffrCOs Office in January 2020.

Authorities say his family has been notified, and officials are asking
for privacy as they grieve.

The shooting began around 10:20 a.m. near Newcomb and Grand while
deputies were serving an eviction notice.

The suspect, identified as 59-year-old David Eric Morales, opened fire
on deputies.

Officials say Morales was not wanted for any crimes and had no known
criminal history prior to the incident.

During the standoff, Morales left the home wearing camouflage and hid in
nearby brush, continuing to fire at officers.

Tactical teams from multiple agencies, including SWAT units and air
support, worked to contain the situation.

Although 18 firearms are registered to him, all handguns, he has been
using rifles, raising additional concerns for officers on scene.

Sheriff Boudreaux confirmed Morales was ultimately run over by a law enforcement BearCat vehicle and killed after continuing to pose a
threat.

The sheriff said Morales had made it clear through messages to family
members that he did not intend to surrender and planned to rCLgo down in a blaze of glory.rCY

Authorities say Morales was given multiple opportunities to surrender peacefully, including attempts by family members and negotiators to get
him to come out.

Officials say no additional injuries have been reported since the
initial shooting.

At least four blocks of nearby neighborhoods were evacuated, and
residents were taken to Holy Cross Church, where food and shelter were provided.

Schools in the area were temporarily placed on lockdown, but officials
say students have since been safely released and campuses are expected
to reopen.

Sheriff Boudreaux described the loss of Detective Hoppert as
devastating, noting the emotional toll on deputies and staff.

rCLItrCOs rough,rCY he said, adding that many within the department were personally close to the fallen detective.

In a post to X, Governor Gavin newsom says Deputy HoppertrCOs legacy will endure and his sacrifice will always be remembered.

In a post to Facebook, Valley Congressman Vince Fong says he and his
wife are praying for the detective's family.

In another post, Congressman David Valadao described the shooting as a "senseless act of violence."

Sheriff Boudreaux shared that Hoppert's grandfather was retired
Undersheriff Doyle Hoppert, who died at 83-years-old in Visalia on in
2025.

He retired in 1990 after a long career at the Tulare County SheriffrCOs
Office.

As he rose through the ranks, he served on Patrol, SWAT, Investigations,
Night Watch, Property Crimes, Juvenile Unit, and, for a time, he was the Resident Deputy for Springville.

A prayer vigil for Detective Hoppert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at 80 East
Oak, in Porterville.

https://kmph.com/news/local/deputy-killed-suspect-dead-after-porterville- shooting

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