New video shows moments in deadly shooting of Central CA detective, BearCat running over suspect

Tulare County deputies went to David Morales’ home to serve an eviction notice on April 9. Morales opened fire, and backup was called, during which Detective Randy Hoppert was killed while responding. Kern County released video showing deputies confronting Morales, including drone surveillance and armored vehicles. Authorities said Morales armed himself and prepared for the confrontation. Footage shows SWAT operators tearing apart the front of the home to force Morales outside while gunfire continued. Drone video captured Morales exiting with a rifle and moving toward the backyard, where he took cover under thick brush. Deputies later found him using a BearCat armored vehicle, and body camera footage shows attempts to subdue him before he was struck and killed.

"The incident began on April 9, when Tulare County Sheriff's deputies went to Morales' home on Brian Avenue near North Salisbury Street to serve an eviction notice. Authorities say Morales opened fire, prompting deputies to call for backup. Detective Randy Hoppert with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office was killed while responding to the call. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said Morales had prepared for the confrontation. "He armed himself and prepared himself, and he lay in wait," Boudreaux said."

"Video from the scene shows law enforcement deploying multiple tactics to try to bring Morales into custody, including drone surveillance and armored vehicles. Body camera footage from a SWAT operator inside an armored vehicle known as "The Rook" shows deputies tearing apart the front of the home in an effort to force Morales outside. Gunfire can be heard throughout the footage as Morales exchanged shots with law enforcement. Drone video also captured Morales exiting the home with a rifle and moving toward the backyard, where he appeared to take cover under thick brush."

"Deputies later located him using a BearCat armored vehicle. Body camera video from inside the vehicle captures the tense moments as deputies try to subdue Morales. "They want to take the suspect into custody as quickly as possible. You're in a residential neighborhood. There are homes adjacent to you, front and back and to the sides," said law enforcement expert Bruce Thomas."

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles