California deputy killed in shooting while serving eviction notice in Porterville

By Richard Ramos

A California sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed on Thursday while serving an eviction notice in Porterville, officials said.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were in the area of Newcomb and Grand avenues around 10:20 a.m. when 60-year-old David Morales allegedly opened fire, striking one deputy.

The wounded deputy was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The sheriff’s office identified him as 35-year-old Randy Hoppert, a six-year veteran of the department. 

Morales was able to flee the area and remained outstanding for hours. Officials said shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday that shots were still being fired in the area.

Around 6 p.m., Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said Morales died when he was run over by deputies driving a SWAT vehicle.

Boudreaux urged residents in the area to shelter in place. Schools in the area were also placed on lockdown as a precaution.

This is a developing story.