Porterville deputy shot; suspect dies after being run over by armored vehicle
A Tulare County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot while serving an eviction notice in Porterville, triggering an hours-long standoff that ended when an armored vehicle ran over the suspect, killing him. Deputy Randy Hoppert, 35, who had served six years, died; the suspect, David Morales, 59, had fired at officers and a drone and reportedly owned 18 firearms. Authorities evacuated blocks and lockdowns were issued for nearby schools as negotiators attempted to resolve the situation. Morales had no listed criminal history; Hoppert’s wife is four months pregnant.
