BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Sheriff Donny Youngblood addressed local media, including Eyewitness News, on Friday morning, regarding yesterday’s deadly deputy-involved shooting in Porterville that saw 35-year-old detective Randy Hoppert killed in the line of duty.
Youngblood said the Kern County Sheriff’s Office’s SWAT team was requested Thursday morning to assist the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office with the use of their BearCat and Rook vehicles.
Youngblood said the suspect, later identified as 59-year-old David Eric Morales, shot a high-powered rifle at the Rook vehicle several times inside the home before he fled to the backyard, said Youngblood.
As deputies inside the BearCat followed Morales to the backyard, he lay in wait on the ground, waiting to possibly ambush the deputies, shooting the driver’s side of the BearCat four times, according to Youngblood.
The Rook then ran over Morales, killing him at the scene.
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David Eric Morales was the suspect in the deputy-involved shooting that took place in Porterville early Thursday morning (Courtesy: Juan Guerrero){ }
Subsequently, the BearCat ran over Morales, killing him at the scene.
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“Every time we have an officer-involved shooting, the shooting is intentional – to stop the threat,” said Youngblood.
Youngblood said KCSO deputies have “dramatic” body-cam video that is not ready yet for release.
Deputy-involved shooting out in Porterville resulted in more than a seven hour standoff. (KBAK/KBFX)
Several questions were referred to Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.
The use-of-force part of the investigation will be conducted by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Tulare County detective Randy Hoppert confirmed to be the deputy killed during a shooting in Porterville Thursday morning. (Photo: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office)
All involved deputies involved in the incident are on paid administrative leave, said Youngblood. They have not been identified at this time.
The BearCat is reported to cost the department between $450,000 and $500,000, while the Rook vehicle costs between $400,000 and $450,000.
The Rook vehicle was notably used last May to successfully apprehend a suspect who was using an assault rifle in Oildale. The stand-off with law enforcement lasted 12 hours.