Deputy Randy Hoppert, a member of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of April 9, 2026, during an active incident in Porterville. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux confirmed that the shooting occurred while deputies were engaged in an official operation.
The fatal shooting took place at approximately 10:20 a.m. near the intersection of Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue as deputies assisted with serving an eviction notice. Upon arrival, they were met with gunfire from the suspect inside the residence.
Authorities identified the gunman as 60‑year‑old David Morales, who opened fire on deputies as they approached the home. Sheriff Boudreaux stated that Morales immediately engaged officers with a high‑powered rifle, striking Deputy Hoppert during the exchange.
Fellow deputies executed a tactical rescue under active gunfire, extracting Hoppert from the scene and transporting him to Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville. Despite emergency efforts, he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Investigators reported that Morales barricaded himself inside the residence following the shooting, prompting a prolonged law‑enforcement response. Multiple shots were exchanged before the situation was contained. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the full sequence of events surrounding the deadly confrontation.
Deputy Hoppert is remembered as a dedicated public servant, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 2010 to 2015, and a member of the sheriff’s office since January 2020. He leaves behind a wife who is four months pregnant, as well as a family with deep roots in Tulare County law enforcement. Community tributes reflect profound grief over the loss of a deputy described as committed, compassionate, and deeply respected.