'He shot and killed one of my friends': Tulare Co. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks on deputy's death

Detective Randy Hoppert joined the Tulare County Sheriff's Office successful January 2020 and antecedently served successful the U.S. Navy.

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux sat down with Action News 1 time aft 1 of his deputies was changeable and killed successful the enactment of duty.

Detective Randy Hoppert was changeable and killed Thursday by David Morales portion serving a hunt warrant astatine a location connected Brian Avenue adjacent North Salisbury Street.

RELATED: Deputy killed successful Porterville shooting, fishy besides dead, Tulare County sheriff says

Hoppert joined the Tulare County Sheriff's Office successful January 2020 and antecedently served successful the U.S. Navy. He leaves down a woman who is 4 months pregnant.

Boudreaux said a BearCat armored conveyance was utilized to termination Morales by moving him over. Five BearCat vehicles were connected scene, according to the sheriff, and 3 had their windshields struck by gunfire.

With Morales present dead, Boudreaux said investigators are focusing connected determining a motive. Because of the usage of unit involved, the Visalia Police Department is starring the investigation.

Boudreaux said 34 sheriff's bureau employees are presently connected administrative permission arsenic the section mourns the nonaccomplishment of 1 of its own.

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"Not lone are we investigating the homicide of our officer, but we're readying a funeral," Boudreaux said.

The sheriff said the section has received enactment from crossed the Central Valley and the nation, including from Rep. David Valadao, Rep. Jim Costa, authorities Sen. Shannon Grove and FBI Director Kash Patel.

"This communicative has resonated crossed the country," Boudreaux said. "People are acceptable to enactment their instrumentality enforcement. They privation america to cognize that they're determination for us. As portion of the healing, that is truly helpful."

Boudreaux said investigators volition proceed moving to find Morales' motive. He said household members person besides been interviewed but bash not person answers.

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As the probe continues, Boudreaux said his absorption remains connected supporting Hoppert's family.

"He changeable and killed 1 of my friends," Boudreaux said. "Because helium mislaid his life, I don't person immoderate sympathy for him. My sympathy and compassion spell to the wife."

Action News continues to travel this processing communicative and has aggregate crews successful Porterville. Stay with america connected aerial and online for the latest updates.