The Tulare County Sheriff's Office has released dramatic video footage showing the moment deputies fatally ran over an armed suspect with a Bearcat armored vehicle after a prolonged gunfight that left a detective dead. The incident occurred on April 9 in Porterville, California, when officers responded to serve an eviction notice at the home of 59-year-old David Morales.
Shootout Erupts During Eviction
According to authorities, Morales opened fire on deputies as soon as they arrived at his residence. He then fled his home wearing camouflage and continued shooting at officers from his yard. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from Kern County deputies as the situation escalated.
SWAT teams arrived hours later with the Bearcat, an armored military-style vehicle, and attempted to use force three times. Drone footage shows Morales hiding in thick brush in the backyard, lying on his back in a shooting position with a rifle in his hand. The video reveals him moving his arm to grab the rifle before the vehicle plows over him.
Body Camera Footage Released
Kern County Sheriff's Office also released body camera footage from two officers involved. One officer inside the vehicle screamed 'gunshot' as Morales fired at the Bearcat, with bullets penetrating the armored plating and damaging the ballistic glass. Authorities later confirmed Morales possessed multiple firearms, including 18 registered handguns, but the rifles used in the shootout were not legally registered in his name.
Detective Killed in Gunfire
Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert, 35, was shot and killed during the exchange. Hoppert, a six-year veteran of the department and a former Navy serviceman, was one of the first officers on scene. He was struck in the head and later died at a local hospital.
Sheriff's Defiant Response
Sheriff Mike Boudreaux did not mince words at a press conference following the shooting. 'We intentionally ran him over,' Boudreaux declared. 'Don't shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we're going to run you over. He got run over; he got what he deserved.'
Crisis negotiators had responded to the scene, and Morales' family urged him to surrender peacefully. Nearby residents were evacuated or told to shelter in place, and schools were placed on lockdown. 'This is senseless,' Boudreaux said. 'We wanted him to come out peacefully, but he pushed back against that.'
Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to fly at half-staff in honor of Detective Hoppert. 'His selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting others stand as a lasting example of honor and duty,' Newsom said in a statement. 'Deputy Hoppert’s legacy will endure, and his sacrifice will always be remembered.'
The Visalia Police Department is leading an ongoing investigation into the shootout, while Kern County deputies are coordinating with VPD in a separate use-of-force investigation.
