California shooting kills sheriff detective serving eviction notice
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A sheriff’s detective in California was shot and killed Thursday while announcing an evacuation after an armed suspect opened fire on deputies in what authorities described as an apparent ambush.
Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said the attack occurred around 10:40 a.m. in Porterville, where deputies encountered a man alleged to be David Morales who allegedly fired a high-powered rifle at them.
The suspect remained barricaded and was in an ongoing standoff with law enforcement as of Thursday.
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Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks at a news conference following the shooting death of a detective in Visalia, Calif., on Thursday. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)
The detective was injured by gunfire and was transported to Sierra View Regional Hospital, where he died at 11:57 a.m., Boudreaux said.
“This situation went from a civilian dismissal order to where our officer was shot. [and] Boudreaux said “his killing was pointless.”
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A sheriff’s detective in California was shot and killed while announcing an evacuation after a suspect allegedly ambushed deputies with a rifle. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto)
Authorities considered flying the detective to Fresno, but his condition was too unstable for transport.
Boudreaux said Morales had not paid rent for 35 days and deputies were serving a final eviction notice when the shooting occurred.
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Law enforcement forces in the area responded to the scene. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo, File)
The sheriff said Morales waited for deputies and “waited” before opening fire, prompting a call for additional troops.
“I sat in the hospital, talked to his wife and his mother, and I can tell you that it is not possible to console that family at this point,” Boudreaux said. he said. “Such attacks on law enforcement must stop.”
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Boudreaux said law enforcement in the area responded to help and an escort was organized to accompany the deceased detective from the hospital to the coroner’s office.
