- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Porterville Today
By the People, for the People
California Deputy Killed Serving Eviction Notice in Porterville
Suspect David Morales remains at large after shooting incident
Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:07pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The fatal shooting of a California deputy while serving an eviction notice exposes the dangers law enforcement face in carrying out routine duties.Porterville TodayA California sheriff's deputy was fatally shot on Thursday while serving an eviction notice in the city of Porterville. The 60-year-old suspect, David Morales, allegedly opened fire on the deputies and then fled the scene. A large law enforcement presence is currently searching for Morales, and officials have urged residents in the area to shelter in place.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face when carrying out routine duties, even in serving civil orders like eviction notices. It also raises concerns about public safety in the Porterville community as the armed suspect remains at large.
The details
According to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, deputies were in the area of Newcomb and Grand avenues around 10:20 a.m. when Morales allegedly opened fire, striking one deputy. The wounded deputy was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Morales was able to flee the scene, and officials said shots were still being fired in the area as of 3 p.m. Schools in the area were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
- The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
- As of 3 p.m. on Thursday, officials said shots were still being fired in the area and the suspect remained at large.
The players
David Morales
A 60-year-old suspect who allegedly opened fire on deputies serving an eviction notice, killing one deputy before fleeing the scene.
Tulare County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that had deputies serving the eviction notice when the shooting occurred.
What they’re saying
“We urge residents in the area to shelter in place as we continue our search for the suspect.”
— Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff
What’s next
Officials have not provided a timeline for when the suspect, David Morales, may be apprehended, but they have assured the public that a large law enforcement presence remains in the area searching for him.
The takeaway
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face in carrying out their duties, even in routine situations. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between the community and law enforcement to ensure public safety when dangerous suspects remain at large.
