04/09/2026
Our hearts are heavy today.
This morning in Porterville, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies came under fire while serving an eviction notice. A detective who responded to assist was struck and, despite a courageous rescue effort, later passed away from his injuries.
This tragedy hits close to home. They are our neighbors, our partners, our extended family, and today we grieve alongside them. Please keep this deputy’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for strength, for comfort, and for peace. And please keep all the officers still on scene in your prayers as they continue to face this dangerous and heartbreaking situation together.
Please see TCSO’ Press Release below:
TCSO Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty, Residents Urged to Shelter in Place
Sheriff Boudreaux is devastated to announce the loss of a Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, after he was shot and killed this morning in Porterville.
Around 10:20 a.m. on 4/9/26, TCSO Deputies were in the area Newcomb and Grand in Porterville serving an eviction notice, when 60-year-old David Morales opened fire on them, hitting one TCSO Deputy.
The Deputy was rushed to a local hospital, where we are heartbroken to confirm, he passed away. Right now, Deputies are still on scene, as Morales is outstanding and shots are still being fired. Sheriff Boudreaux wants to urge anyone in that area to shelter in place. All schools in the area are also lockdown.
Sheriff Boudreaux has met with the fallen Deputy’s family and offered his deepest condolences. All of us at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office are shocked and incredibly saddened by today’s tragic events. We ask that you keep our Deputy’s grieving family in your prayers.
