BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Sheriff’s Office released body-cam footage on Tuesday of the incident that led to the death of the suspect who shot and killed Tulare County Sheriff’s Office detective Randy Hoppert in April.
Law enforcement was involved in a stand-off with Morales for several hours.
The BearCat used in the incident was provided by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Eric Morales, 59, shot at the BearCat, striking it, said deputies.
Subsequently, the BearCat ran over and killed Morales after he shot at the vehicle, according to the footage provided.
KCSO deputy Chad Clark was placed on routine critical incident leave pending the completion of the investigation, said the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Suspect David Eric Morales shot and killed TCSO detective Randy Hoppert, said the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
WARNING: FOOTAGE SHOWS VIOLENCE AND THE DEATH OF A SUSPECT. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
The incident stemmed from earlier in the day, when on April 9, 2026, at around 10:20 a.m. near Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue, deputies attempted to serve an eviction notice to 59-year-old David Eric Morales.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said. Boudreaux said Morales had been notified about a month earlier that he would need to leave his home.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Authorities said Morales opened fire with a rifle, prompting an officer-involved shooting and a large response from multiple agencies, including Porterville police, Visalia police and the California Highway Patrol.
During the chaos, Tulare County Detective Randy Hoppert was shot. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Hoppert leaves behind his wife and a four-month-old baby.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deadly use of force in the incident. It will be submitted to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office for review.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
On May 12, 2026, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office convened an Incident Review Board to examine the use of force in the incident.
Photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office
The board determined the use of force was within department policy.