California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined law enforcement officials across the state in paying tribute to a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office detective who was gunned down while serving an eviction in Porterville on Thursday.
Detective Randy Hoppert was shot and mortally wounded by a man facing eviction from his home on April 9, according to the agency.
His killer, 59-year-old David Morales, was ultimately killed after being run over by an armored police vehicle following an hours long search and standoff, during which he repeatedly fired upon deputies with rifles, authorities said.
Hoppert was a six-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, officials said. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2015. He is survived by his wife, who was four months pregnant.
In honor of the detective’s sacrifice, Newsom ordered flags be flown at half-staff at State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.
‘A lasting example of honor and duty’
“Deputy Hoppert gave his life in service to his community. Jennifer and I join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his profound loss,” Newsom said in an written statement.
“His selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protecting others stand as a lasting example of honor and duty,” the governor continued. “Deputy Hoppert’s legacy will endure, and his sacrifice will always be remembered.”
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across the state offered condolences on the loss of the detective as they covered their badges with traditional black bands of mourning.
In the Bay Area, the San Francisco Police Department issued a statement responding to the shooting.
“We stand with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office during this challenging time as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” the statement said. “May you forever rest in peace, Deputy Randy Hoppert. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
In Southern California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department took to social media to extend “heartfelt condolences to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and to the family of Deputy Randy Hoppert, who was tragically killed in the line of duty this morning.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time,” the agency stated. “We honor Deputy Hoppert’s service, sacrifice, and dedication to his community. His bravery will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through those who continue to serve.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department echoed the sentiment, stating, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is saddened by the tragic news of fallen Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Randy Hoppert. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Killer ‘got what he deserved’
While sheriff’s officials sought to take Morales alive, the suspect’s actions made that impossible, Tulare Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said during a news conference.
“We wanted him to come out peacefully, but he pushed back against that,” he said.
“He said he was going down in a blaze of glory, he ain’t going down peacefully. He made that very well known,” according to the sheriff.
Ultimately, after Morales had exited the home, law enforcement ultimately ran him over with a BearCat armored vehicle as he fired at the truck’s windshield, bringing an end to the violent rampage, officials said.
“Don’t shoot at cops,” Boudreaux said. “If you shoot at cops, we’re going to run you over. He got run over. He got what he deserved.”
The sheriff pointed out that when deputies first arrived at Morales’ home, he was not accused of any crime.
“It was a very simple eviction to where he was going be ordered from his home,” he said. “That’s the most peculiar of it all. He wasn’t facing any criminal charges.”
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Tributes pour in for deputy killed amid Porterville eviction
Reporting by Brian Day, USA TODAY NETWORK / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
