Newly released bodycam and drone footage show the decisive end of a lethal standoff in California. Deputies used an armored BearCat vehicle to neutralize an armed suspect believed to have killed Tulare County Deputy Randy Hoppert.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office shared a near seven-minute video, which includes body-worn camera segments, thermal drone visuals, and slow-motion replay. This video provides a detailed view of the intense exchange of gunfire after authorities reported that 59-year-old David Morales ambushed deputies delivering an eviction notice in Porterville on April 9.
Deputies can be seen taking cover behind patrol cars during a sudden burst of gunfire in the neighborhood. SWAT teams quickly positioned armored vehicles around the suspect’s residence.
Gunfire erupts as suspect pins down officer, opens fire during eviction notice.
The footage highlights the massive tactical operation as Kern County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams arrived with armored vehicles, including a BearCat and a Rook, to evacuate nearby residents and contain Morales. Authorities noted that Morales fired from inside the house for hours while tactical teams tried to negotiate a surrender.
Around 5:30 p.m., Morales allegedly fired upon the armored Rook vehicle, damaging its ballistic glass. Thermal drone footage shows Morales armed with a rifle during this standoff.
Manhunt underway after US Marshal deputy shot and killed in Houston.
The footage captures Morales exiting a window, camouflaged and armed, fleeing into dense brush while aiming at the BearCat’s driver. Deputies judged Morales an ongoing threat and employed the BearCat for deadly force.
Bodycam footage shows chaotic moments leading up to fatal officer-involved shooting.
Kern County drone video demonstrates the BearCat maneuvering through the backyard in the deadly confrontation with Morales. Investigators reported Morales shooting multiple rounds at the BearCat. After backing away, deputies re-engaged, observing Morales reach for a handgun during the second impact. The BearCat ran over Morales a third time, leading to his death.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux justified the strategy, stating, “Don’t shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we’re gonna run you over.”
Video shows police officer ambushed in patrol car in explosion of gunfire, suspect found dead after shootout.
This confrontation began when deputies issued a final eviction notice to Morales for unpaid rent. Morales allegedly ambushed them, using a high-powered rifle. Deputy Hoppert, a former Navy corpsman with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, was fatally wounded and transported to Sierra View District Hospital.
Despite considering airlifting Hoppert to Fresno, his condition was critically unstable. Sheriff Boudreaux described the transition from a routine civil order to a tragic killing as senseless.
Following the deputy’s passing, Boudreaux met with Hoppert’s grieving family. He relayed the emotional difficulty, emphasizing the need to cease such attacks on law enforcement.
Get breaking news by email.
On May 12, Kern County Sheriff’s Office Incident Review Board deemed the force used within policy. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office will also review the case.