Dramatic and graphic new video shows the deadly confrontation with a suspect in Porterville that claimed the life of a Tulare County sheriff's detective.
Thursday, May 21, 2026 2:43PMNewly released video shows the tense moments leading up to law enforcement using deadly force during anViewer discretion is advised as some of the footage in the video player above may be hard to watch.
The Kern County Sheriff's Office released the video capturing deputies confronting 59-year-old David Morales, who was struck and killed by an armored vehicle after refusing to surrender. The incident began on April 9, when Tulare County Sheriff's deputies went to Morales' home on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street to serve an eviction notice. Authorities say Morales opened fire, prompting deputies to call for backup.
Detective Randy Hoppert with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office was killed while responding to the call.
"He armed himself and prepared himself, and he lay in wait," Boudreaux said. Video from the scene shows law enforcement deploying multiple tactics to try to bring Morales into custody, including drone surveillance and armored vehicles. Body camera footage from a SWAT operator inside an armored vehicle known as "The Rook" shows deputies tearing apart the front of the home in an effort to force Morales outside.
Gunfire can be heard throughout the footage as Morales exchanged shots with law enforcement. Drone video also captured Morales exiting the home with a rifle and moving toward the backyard, where he appeared to take cover under thick brush. Deputies later located him using a BearCat armored vehicle. Body camera video from inside the vehicle captures the tense moments as deputies try to subdue Morales.
"They want to take the suspect into custody as quickly as possible. You're in a residential neighborhood. There are homes adjacent to you, front and back and to the sides," said law enforcement expert Bruce Thomas. Video shows deputies engaging Morales multiple times.
At one point, Morales fires a shot toward the driver's side of the BearCat. A drone also captured Morales holding a firearm, appearing to adjust it. During a third and final confrontation, the BearCat repositions and drives over Morales, ultimately killing him.
"The suspect was the one who refused to give up. The suspect, the one who was lying in the backyard in wait for additional officers. So ultimately, SWAT officers used what force they felt necessary," Thomas said. The Visalia Police Department is investigating the shooting involving the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.
The Kern County Sheriff's Office is also assisting with the use-of-force investigation.
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