Tulare County Deputy Killed in Shooting While Serving Eviction Notice in Porterville; Suspect David Morales at Large as Sheriff Mike Boudreaux Confirms Active Manhunt

A Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice in Porterville on Thursday morning, sparking a massive law enforcement response and an ongoing manhunt for the suspect, identified as David Morales.

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux confirmed during a press conference that the deputy did not survive the shooting, which unfolded around 10:20 a.m. in the 1700 block of West Brian Avenue, near Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue.

According to authorities, deputies had arrived at the residence to serve an eviction notice when Morales allegedly opened fire using what officials described as a high-powered rifle. Deputies returned fire as the suspect continued shooting, escalating the situation.

During the exchange, one deputy was struck by gunfire. The wounded officer was pulled to safety and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:20 a.m.

Officials said Morales initially barricaded himself inside a nearby home and continued firing at deputies, prompting a large-scale tactical response.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including Porterville Police, Tulare Police, Farmersville Police, SWAT teams from Bakersfield and Visalia, and air support from the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities quickly secured the surrounding area, issuing shelter-in-place orders for residents and closing nearby roads as officers worked to contain the threat.

Nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution. Officials urged parents not to attempt to pick up students until further notice, emphasizing that safety protocols remained in effect.

Video from the scene showed emergency responders transporting the injured deputy to an ambulance shortly after the shooting. The area surrounding Newcomb Street and Pioneer Avenue remained heavily secured as law enforcement continued operations.

Authorities have identified David Morales as the suspect, who remains at large. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for him and are urging the public to avoid the area.

Anyone with information regarding Morales’ whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement immediately.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as the situation develops.