04/10/2026
Rest in peace, Deputy Randy Hoppert. 💙
Our hearts are broken over the loss of our brother. Law enforcement is a calling filled with danger and uncertainty, and today we mourn a true hero. We hold the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy Hoppert’s family and friends, in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.
Please see the updated press release from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office:
UPDATE: Suspect in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting Killed, Fallen TCSO Deputy Identified
Sheriff Boudreaux has identified the TCSO Deputy shot and killed this morning during an officer-involved shooting in Porterville as 35-year-old Randy Hoppert, a six-year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 10:20 a.m. on April 9, 2026, TCSO deputies were in the area of Newcomb and Grand in Porterville serving an eviction notice when 59-year-old David Morales opened fire, striking Deputy Hoppert. Deputy Hoppert was rushed to a local hospital, where he tragically passed away.
Shortly before 6 p.m., Sheriff Boudreaux announced that the suspect, David Morales, was killed after being run over by deputies driving a Kern County Sheriff’s Office SWAT vehicle.
Sheriff Boudreaux and everyone at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office are shocked and deeply saddened by today’s events. We ask that you keep Deputy Hoppert’s grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.
